Vale Professor Peter English

Professor Peter English, who dedicated half his life to developing the School of Veterinary Science, died on September 5 last year, aged 75.

Professor English played a pivotal role in the School's progress over almost four decades, including years of service as Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science and head of department.

He also took an important part in the formation and development of the Faculty Executive and helped establish the Annual Appeal.

Dr Lucio Filippich of the School of Veterinary Science described Professor English as 'a hard worker and a real gentleman'.

'He was a very kind person who never found it a bother to help not only the veterinary students but also his colleagues in advancing themselves or finding out what they needed to know,' Dr Filippich said.

'He was the head of a very large department which included much of what the Veterinary School is today. At the same time, he was giving more than 100 lectures a year in veterinary medicine. By today's standards it would be impossible to do.'

The son of a dairy farmer, Professor English worked for the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Stock and spent four years on war service before enrolling in the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland.

After graduating bachelor of veterinary science in 1950, Professor English was appointed Government Veterinary Officer at Gympie. He returned to the University just six months later, as a veterinary medicine lecturer in the developing Queensland Veterinary School.

Professor English went on to gain a master of veterinary science degree from the University in 1960 and a PhD from Cambridge University in 1964.
In 1965, he was appointed professor and head of the Veterinary Clinical Studies Department.

Professor English served as dean of the Veterinary Science Faculty from 1967 to 1970, and from 1977 to 1980 he was head of the Veterinary Medicine Department.

Retiring in 1987, he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Science by the University in recognition of his contribution to veterinary science and education over 37 years.

Professor English's research included therapeutic trials on new antibiotics and produced scientific papers and critical experimental work in renal and electrolyte metabolism.

He was an active member of the Australian Veterinary Association, serving secretary of the Queensland Division, member of the Division's Education Committee and member of the AVA Antibiotics Committee.

He was awarded an AVA life membership in 1989 and was a member of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists.