RCVS pays tribute to former President and inaugural Queen’s Medal winner

Following the death of former RCVS President Des Thompson OBE, the College has paid tribute to the Northern Ireland-based veterinary surgeon, known for his advocacy on behalf of the region, the professions and on mental health issues.

Des was a member of RCVS Council for almost a quarter of a century (from 1980 to 2004), serving as President of the RCVS, as well as Chair of the RCVS Trust (now RCVS Knowledge), in 1995-96. He also served as RCVS Treasurer from 1990 to 1993 and was Chair of the RCVS Veterinary Nurses Committee, the precursor to Veterinary Nurses Council.

After leaving RCVS Council he continued to remain active in veterinary politics and life, particularly in Northern Ireland, becoming a champion for mental health support and helping, via his involvement in Veterinary Northern Ireland, to set up the Vet Support NI confidential mental health support service which has funding support from the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative.

Des was the inaugural recipient of the RCVS Queen’s Medal, an award reserved for veterinary surgeons with particularly distinguished and consequential careers, in 2014. The Queen’s Medal had been approved by the late Queen Elizabeth II and Des had the opportunity to visit Buckingham Palace to be formally presented with his medal by the Queen in October 2014 (pictured above).

Paying tribute, current RCVS President Linda Belton said: “We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Des Thompson. Des had been a stalwart of the UK veterinary professions, particularly in Northern Ireland, for many decades and will be greatly missed by many veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses.

“As well as serving on RCVS Council, Des had served as president of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons and the Northern Ireland Veterinary Association and was also involved with the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, arranging for one of its general assemblies to be held in Belfast.

“The sincere admiration and respect for Des can be demonstrated by the fact that he was actually nominated twice for the inaugural Queen’s Medal, and we were very glad to be able to recognise his commitment to the professions through the award.

“On behalf of the Councils and staff of the RCVS, I send my sincere condolences and warmest wishes to Des’s wife Rosalie, his family and friends, and all his many colleagues past and present, during this difficult time.”