Ministry of Agriculture employees mourn passing of colleague

Employees of the Ministry of Agriculture are mourning the death of one of their colleagues.

Dr John Duckhouse passed away on Thursday.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Indar Weir issued the following tribute:

We are shocked and saddened to learn about the untimely death of Dr John Duckhouse.

Dr Duckhouse was an institution within the veterinary and livestock community, a beloved and well-respected veterinary surgeon, both among his colleagues, several of whom he mentored and served as a role model to his many clients.

Many young and not-so- young veterinarians “cut their teeth” in his mixed animal practice and are all the better for it.

Dr Duckhouse would have been responsible for the veterinary care for the animals in over 90 per cent of the livestock farms and backyard farmers on the island.  He was always willing to share his knowledge and expertise with anyone.   To his colleagues he was the consummate professional and to his clients a compassionate and competent doctor, always upholding high ethical standards.

The veterinary, agricultural and animal-owning communities have lost a great friend, colleague, mentor and professional. He will be sorely missed.

My sincerest condolences to his wife and family. (EJ)