DR. RONALD GREENWOOD KINGSTON, ONTARIO
In the age before antibiotics and modern surgical procedures, Ron was the only child of Vincent and Mabel Greenwood to survive infancy. Like most young veterinarians, upon graduation from the Royal Veterinary College (London, UK) in 1957, Ron plunged into clinical practice and started a family. Being ahead of his time in recognizing veterinary science as a key to diverse career pathways, Ron left practice to work for Pfizer in the final stages of bringing their polio vaccine to market. Then, to broaden his industrial veterinary experience, he moved to a position with Glaxo.
In 1967, Ron was hired as the director of Animal Care by Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, and so immigrated to Canada with his wife, Evelyn, and 4 children. Upon arrival, he assumed responsibility for the opening of Queen's new laboratory animal facility known as the “vivarium.” A passion for animal care was ignited and Ron became a member of the Canadian Association of Laboratory Animal Science and the newly founded Canadian Council of Animal Care (CCAC).
Ron contributed to the writing of the first edition of the CCAC Guide to the Care and Use of Experimental Animals Vols. 1 and 2 (1st Edition), traveled extensively in North America, inspecting and advising on the construction and operation of laboratory animal facilities and associated animal care committees. He was instrumental in the development and implementation of the CALAS Registered Laboratory Animal Technicians Program. In 1981, Ron was the recipient of the Charles River award from CALAS, a prestigious award in recognition of contributions to the field of animal care in Canada.
With a vast bank of knowledge to impart, Ron also assumed a concurrent teaching position with St. Lawrence College as an instructor in the Animal Health Technology Program. The Ron Greenwood Award of Merit (medal) is awarded to a graduate of the Veterinary Technology Program who has demonstrated proficiency in clinical laboratory procedures in animal handling and in surgical skills.
Having overseen the design, construction and operation of Queen's University's most recent animal care facilities (Botterell Hall), Ron retired as director of Animal Care in 1991. With his wife, Wilma, as inspiration, he turned his full attention to his life-long passion of gardening at their cherished Howe Island Ferry Road property.
Ron succumbed to malignant lymphoma on Sept 12, 2002. His personal legacy for scientific excellence lives on in his eldest son, Julian, a medical doctor, and in his youngest daughter, Penny, a veterinarian. Ron's love of classical music was embraced by his eldest daughter, Kate, principal oboist for the Windsor Symphony, and a good portion of his persona lives on in the fanciful choice of his youngest son, Simon.
In reaching life's final destination, it is hoped that Ron has been freed from life's frustrations, been forgiven for life's transgressions, and found true peace.
(Submitted by Dr. Penny Greenwood, Ottawa, Ontario)
Footnotes
On behalf of The Canadian Veterinary Journal and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, sincere sympathies are expressed to the families, colleagues, and friends of those persons listed in this column. Death announcements and obituaries are printed on a regular basis according to the availability of space. Notification of deaths should be sent to: Hseather Broughton, Manager, Journals, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, 339 Booth Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7K1. E-mail: hbroughton@cvma-acmv.org