PROFESSOR Douglas Blood, the founding dean of Melbourne University’s Werribee veterinary school, is remembered by his family as a man with “a never-ending project” and a master of all trades.
He was always working on something, whether it be a new book, teaching his students or roaming the Western Treatment Plant photographing birds.
Professor Blood, who died on June 6 aged 93, was named dean of the veterinary school in 1962 and presided over the first intake of students the following year.
In 1981, he was admitted to the Order of the British Empire for his services to veterinary medicine.
He retired from teaching four years later, after 23 years as a professor.
Born in England, Professor Blood moved with his parents, Daniel and Florence, from London to New South Wales as a six-year-old.
He attended Hurlstone Agricultural High School and gained an agricultural cadet scholarship to Sydney University, graduating in 1942 with a bachelor of veterinary science. During World War II, Professor Blood worked in northern Australia, moving horses through remote areas and inspecting meat abattoirs.
In 1945, he became a lecturer at Sydney University, teaching large-animal medicine. It was at Sydney University that he met his wife, Marian.
From 1949-62, he was based at Cornell University in the US state of New York and Canada’s Guelph University in the province of Ontario.
He wrote the first edition of his textbook Veterinary Medicine with Dr Jim Henderson. The book is now in its 10th edition.
Professor Blood’s daughter, Linda Handscombe, said he was a man of great intellect, compassion and goodwill.
He excelled at home improvements, photography, cooking, vegetable gardening, bread and beer making, and bird watching.
He is survived by Shirley, with whom he shared his final decade, and daughters Chris, Susan, Judy, Linda and Kate.
