A Tribute

[Killerbunny]

I just wanted to pay tribute to the man who started me on my bird journey - Dr. J.V. Beer.
I just received news that he passed away last year at the age of 91, still living at his home and only having a carer for his last year. His daughter didn't have an address for us until I sent him my Xmas card and yearly summary.
I worked with him as his pathology assistant at the Game Conservancy in the U.K. in the late 70's and early 80's and this was THE BEST JOB I ever had. Investigating hatching issues and doing research to improve hatching and pathology on Gamebirds. Also Farmland Biology to improve habitat. He even credited me on a couple of his papers LOL.
He helped with the reintroduction of the Nene to Hawaii when working at Slimbridge.
He visited us in Orillia and we could show him many Osprey nests, he was lecturing at Guelph for a conference.
We also had him visit when he was 84 and we spent some days with the migratory birds at 1000 Islands Sanctuary. the timing was just right. He was on a round the world trip including to Hawaii to see some results of his work and to see the Solar Eclipse in Australia. He gave expert advice in Bhutan on pheasant pathology and reintroduction. The pictures he sent us were spectacular.
He always encouraged my photography and we always had plenty to talk about.
A life VERY well lived.
Now you all know whose fault it is I ended up with my birds!

[Kbr42]

Very nice!

[kenya]

Must have been a great man to get you interested in birds!

[TomK]

To leave this world having had a positive impact on other peoples lives ...one cannot wish for more...very nice, Gill...

[Killerbunny]

Brief amusing ? story. I have always been prone to OCD and colour coded files. When we took John to the Airport after his last trip with us he pulled out one of those small, colour coded billfolds where he had arranged all his tickets and itinerary. DH just groaned and said to him "so it's your fault!" We all had a good laugh.

[Ontario Chick]

Obviously a kindred spirit.
Like @TomK said to make a difference in another person's life, what more can one ask for