The End of an Era

Simon Doherty pays tribute to Des Thompson

“It’s the end of an era. Des Thompson was a legend of the veterinary world who will be remembered fondly for generations to come. A past-president of RCVS, SPVS, BSAVA & NIVA (and probably others), he was awarded the first Queens Medal (the highest honour of the RCVS), the Chiron Award (BVA’s highest honour) and the OBE for his service to the veterinary professions over decades” Simon Doherty wrote in his tribute.

“He was the founding chair of VetNI, where I worked with him for a couple of years to establish the new secretariat, and he went on to be the founding chair of VetSupport NI too. He also had a pivotal, if slightly ironic, role in the foundation of the Young Vet Network NI!

“For me, Des was a role model, mentor, colleague and friend. An amazing man with a wealth of experience and expertise. It’s almost difficult to take in that, at the height of his clinical career, he was at the cutting edge of spinal orthopaedics too – “Wee Des”… but he achieved so much in his career. He was incredibly humble and grounded too – he always said that he couldn’t have done all of those things without the tremendous support and grace of Ian Millar and the Earlswood Team… and, of course, the wonderful Rosalie and their girls. Quite simply, Des cared about vets, vet nurses, practice teams… as well as the clients and their animals – he wasn’t unique in that… but he took his commitment to doing his best for the professions to a unique level.

“When I popped in with Des recently, though frail, he still wanted to hear all the news – both about my work but also about my family. An avid follower of Ulster Rugby, he always enjoyed a bit of rugby chat… despite the great Inst/Methody rivalry that lay between us.

“Legend” is sometimes a term that trips of the tongue these days… but Des Thompson was and remains a legend. His legacy will last for a long, long time. I will never forget Des’s chuckle the first time we saw each other after #TieGate. It’s perhaps fitting then that I use this photo I captured of Des about 10yrs ago where he’s wearing his NIVA tie over his jumper!

“Rest in peace, DesT. Thoughts & prayers to Rosalie, the Thompson family circle & to everyone who had the privilege of knowing this wonderful man.”