In Memoriam ACVO Diplomates
Dear ACVO Members,
We were recently given the news of the passing of two ACVO Diplomates in 2021. Drs. Rowan Blogg (boarded in 1978) and Leslie Williams (boarded in 1982) passed away last year. Below, you will find the obituaries for both.
The In Memory PowerPoint will be updated on the DACVO.org website on the Member History page. As a reminder, a moment of silence with the In Memory PowerPoint will be played during the ACVO Conference this fall in Palm Springs.
Dr. Rowan Blogg
July 8, 1931 – May 25, 2021
A stalwart of the veterinary profession and pioneer of veterinary ophthalmology, Dr Rowan Blogg passed away just a few weeks prior to his 90th birthday. He is fondly remembered for his love of the profession, his mentorship and guidance of many in the veterinary community, and his skill and knowledge as Australia’s preeminent veterinary eye specialist.
“Rowan was the first veterinary specialist in Australia in any field. An Academic Associate, Senior Fellow and Senior Lecturer at Melbourne University for many years, he served on the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria for more than one term, and was instrumental in the establishment of Guide Dogs Australia. I will remember his happy and generous nature, his singing and daily meditation sessions when he would inform us all not to bother him because he ‘was busy standing on his head!’,” said Dr Andrea Tims.
Dr Blogg left a lasting impression on many veterinarians, through his many friendships, his teaching and his contribution to veterinary medicine and ophthalmology.
During his illustrious veterinary career, Dr Blogg supported numerous interns who went on to become veterinary ophthalmology specialists.
Dr Blogg made an enormous contribution to veterinary medicine, and a passionate writer, he published several books including ‘The Eye in Veterinary Practice’, and ‘Everydog: A Complete Book of Dog Care’, which he co-authored with Eric Allan. In 2012 Dr Blogg was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division of the Queen’s Birthday Honours, for his service to veterinary science, particularly in the specialty of ophthalmology, and as an author and mentor.
Dr. Leslie Wegener “Dub” Williams
August 14, 1930 – September 29, 2021
Dr. Leslie Wegener “Dub” Williams — surrounded by his loving family – left this world behind and passed on, into the next, on September 29, 2021.
He was born on August 14, 1930, at home, in Raytown, Missouri. From there, (like his brothers) he went on to attend the University of Missouri. An animal lover from the start, in 1954, Dub earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the university. He was a member of Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society of Agriculture and graduated second in his class from veterinary school.
After graduation, Dub conducted chemical research as a Second Lieutenant for the U.S. Army, then worked as a U.S.D.A inspector in Kansas City, while also seeing patients from a start-up veterinary clinic at his home. In the late 1950s, he founded the Hickman Mills Animal Hospital. He soon became known as a trusted and caring veterinarian in the growing area, and simply as “Doc” at the local drugstore lunch counter.
After building his successful veterinary practice, Dub earned his certification in veterinary ophthalmology at the University of Florida-Gainesville in the late 70’s. He then was appointed as veterinarian for the city of Las Vegas, Nevada. There, he also practiced his specialty — providing vision care for small animals, celebrities’ pets, prized horses and police dogs, and even the big cats of “Siegfried & Roy.”
Yet, for all of his accomplishments, Dub will be remembered most as a great storyteller, an easy charmer, a ready bestower of nicknames, a generous soul, an incredibly hard worker, and a proud and loving father. And even if you had only met him once, you would also think of him as a true friend.