We mourn his loss but celebrate his life and legacy
We are all deeply saddened at the loss of our friend and colleague, Michael Day, a true veterinary leader who served the WSAVA with distinction and dedication. He worked tirelessly to transform companion animal vaccination practice around the world and to champion the vital importance of companion animals within One Health. He also played a pivotal role in supporting the development of the veterinary profession in Africa through his work with the WSAVA Foundation and its AFSCAN project.
Throughout his distinguished career, as the many tributes on social media have shown, Michael was modest, kind and infinitely generous with his time. In recognition of his many achievements, we were delighted to present him with the WSAVA Award for Global Meritorious Service in April 2020. Never has an Award been more richly deserved and, while we mourn his loss deeply, we celebrate his life and legacy. We also hold close his beloved wife and WSAVA colleague, Dr Mary Marcondes, who filled his life with joy and cared for him during his final illness.
Several WSAVA colleagues, past and present, shared their thoughts in our tribute press release:
WSAVA President Shane Ryan:
[blockquote author=”” link=”” target=”_blank”]Michael made an immense contribution to the WSAVA and the other associations he served. He was not only a highly respected colleague but a much-loved friend. We are heart-broken to lose him, and our thoughts are with Mary and his wider family, friends and colleagues.[/blockquote]
Emeritus Prof MIchael Day at the 6th World Congress on Leishmaniasis in Toledo, Spain
Professor Michael Lappin, Chair of the WSAVA’s One Health Committee:
[blockquote author=”” link=”” target=”_blank”]Professor Day was an icon of global veterinary medicine in many fields. His work to found the One Health Committee and the resultant One Health Certificate Course are just two of the ways in which his memory will live on. It was an honor to be his friend and to have him as an inspiration in so many ways, both professionally and personally.[/blockquote]
Emeritus Prof Michael Day presenting on behalf of the WSAVA One Health Committee
Dr Jolle Kirpensteijn, WSAVA Past President and Chief Professional Veterinary Officer at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, US:
[blockquote author=”” link=”” target=”_blank”]Michael was a friend to the entire global veterinary community and worked tirelessly and humbly to make the world better by championing a One Health approach. His hallmark sense of humor and ability to explain complex concepts touched us all.[/blockquote]
Emeritus Prof Michael Day presenting on behalf of the WSAVA One Health Committee at ECVIM 2016
Dr Guillermina Manigot, WSAVA Member Representative for Argentina:
[blockquote author=”” link=”” target=”_blank”]Among his many achievements, Professor Day was passionate about the creation of the first set of WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines for Latin America and travelled throughout the region, with members of the Vaccination Guidelines Group, to explain and discuss them with veterinarians. These Guidelines were recently published in Journal of Small Animal Practice and it is now our mission, as Latin American veterinarians, to apply what he taught us for the benefit of our patients and public health. Thank you, Professor Day.[/blockquote]
We have created an online book of memories and messages to Michael and his family from WSAVA member associations. If your association would like to contribute a message, please email it to admin@wsava.org. We would love to include any photos you may have of Michael with members of your association so please send them too.
In partnership with BSAVA, we have also launched an online book celebrating Michael’s life.
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