Tributes paid to former BVA and RCVS president
The British Veterinary Association and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons have paid tribute following the death of Peter Jinman OBE MRCVS, a well-loved veterinary surgeon and public figure who had previously served as president of both organisations.
Peter was President of BVA from 2002-03, a Trustee of BVA’s charity the Animal Welfare Foundation, and Chairman of the Farm Animal Welfare Committee at DEFRA.
He was subsequently President of the RCVS, the regulatory body for UK veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses, for the 2010-11 presidential year, served on RCVS Council from 2005-17, and was also a trustee of RCVS Knowledge, the charitable partner of the RCVS, from 2011-20.
In 2004 he was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to the veterinary profession.
RCVS President Dr Melissa Donald said: “I, along with my colleagues on RCVS Council and VN Council, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the death of Peter Jinman this week.
“He was a true stalwart of the veterinary professions and the RCVS, and even after his tenure on Council finished he remained actively involved with College business, chairing the Standards Committee’s Certification Subcommittee.
“For me, Peter was a personal inspiration and role model and one of the reasons I decided to get involved in veterinary politics. His commitment to public service was demonstrated not just through his involvement with the RCVS, but also through his membership of bodies such as the Parliamentary Committee on Standards, Defra’s Farm Animal Welfare Committee and the Farmers Club, for whom he was the first veterinary surgeon who served as Chairman.
“He was held in great affection by RCVS colleagues and staff who have described him as being always happy to help, always available and always a pleasure to work with, as well as being extremely erudite and knowledgeable. He will be missed by us all.”
BVA President Malcolm Morley said: “We were truly saddened to hear the news that Peter has passed away.
“Widely respected, Peter was a pillar of the veterinary community, always there with wise advice or a kind word. He was a strong advocate and supporter of many BVA officers who followed in his footsteps, providing guidance and encouragement throughout their journeys. His dedication to his work, the profession itself and the animals he cared for was undeniable.
“A valued friend to many, Peter will be sorely missed but his tremendous legacy to the veterinary profession will live on. Our thoughts are with Peter’s wife Gill and his family, friends and colleagues at this sad and difficult time.”
A service in celebration of Peter’s life will be held at St Michael and All Angels Church, Ewyas Harold on Saturday 17 June, 2023 at 2pm followed by interment in the Churchyard.
