We’re sad to announce the passing of Dr. Russell Willoughby, OVC’57, on April 17, 2018. Dr. Willoughby was a former OVC faculty member and former Chair, Department of Clinical Studies.
Dr. Russell Willoughby
Dr. Willoughby was born July 7, 1933 in Tilston, Manitoba, to the late J.T. Wilfred and M. Christina (Young) Willoughby, He was raised on the family farm in Alameda, Saskatchewan. By age 11, he was driving grain into town. His passion for farming and driving never faded.
Dr. Willoughby obtained a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Toronto (Guelph) in 1957. He established a large animal veterinary practice in Grenfell, Saskatchewan, then obtained a PhD from Cornell University in 1965, before returning to the Ontario Veterinary College where he was a Professor, Head of Medicine in the Clinical Studies Department (1965 – 1978); Associate Dean, Research and Development (1978 – 1983); and Chair, Clinical Studies (1983-1986). He established and was the first Director of the Equine Research Centre from 1986 to 1990.
While serving as Associate Dean, Research and Development, he was instrumental in initiating, gaining senate approval and receiving funding for the DVSc Graduate Program at the OVC. He negotiated transferring the funding and operation of the OVC Field Research Station to the U of G/Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Research Contract. He coordinated the planning and building of a $22-million expansion of the Large Animal Hospital area, new anaesthetic, surgery, diagnostic and treadmill areas, offices and other facilities in the clinical area.
He was a charter member of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, member of the Canadian and American Veterinary Medical Associations, President of the Guelph Rotary Club, Hospice Wellington, Guelph Probus and a member of Wellington County Lung Association and Guelph Wellington Men’s Club.
Dr. Willoughby is survived by his devoted wife, Peggy, son Doug (Connalyn), daughters Joanne (Jonathan McSherry) and Sandra (Steve Waters), grandchildren Corene, Lauren, Adrienne and Rowan. Predeceased by his brother Gerald.
A Memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday May 11, 2018 at Harcourt Memorial United Church, Guelph.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice Wellington.