Vale Dr Ian Pearson

The Australian Veterinary Association is saddened to announce the passing of Dr Ian Pearson, esteemed veterinarian and Past President, who died last weekend aged 97. Dr Pearson’s remarkable commitment to the profession began in 1944 when he joined the AVA as a 16-year-old student. Over more than 8 decades, he shaped the association and the wider veterinary community through his leadership, advocacy and vision. 

Dr Pearson served as AVA President from 1977 to 1978 and was elected a Fellow of the Association in 1977 in recognition of his outstanding service. He was instrumental in developing the AVA’s Special Interest Groups, founding both the NSW Veterinary Poultry Association and the Association of Veterinarians in Industry, where he was elected inaugural Chairman.  

A respected researcher and mentor, Dr Pearson’s contributions continue to influence the profession.  

Read more about his extraordinary 80-year AVA journey here.

The President Dr R W Gee congratulating Dr Pearson on his election to Fellowship of the Association. (Source: AVJ Vol 53 October 1977)

A tea break in the field with McMaster Lab Research Scientist colleagues. Left to right: Hugh Gordon, Joe Boray and Ian Pearson, taken in the 1950s. [Source: CSIRO].