Obituaries

Jeremy Langdon BVSc, PhD

News of the recent untimely death of Dr Jeremy Langdon was received with great sadness by his many friends and colleagues both within Australia and overseas. Jeremy was employed as a specialist fish pathologist in the Western AustralianDqartments of Fisheries and Agriculture, where his skills and experience in f d health were directed at fish disease diagnosis, research and provision of expert advice on fisheries policy at state and national level.

Jeremy graduated with F i t Class Honours in Veterinary Science from the University OfQueensland, and gained the University Medal in that year. Instead of a more traditional veterinary career, Jeremy chose to pursue his lifelong interest in fish by undertaking a PhD at the Institute of Aquaculture, Univer- sity of Stirling, Scotland. Here, Jeremy was widely acknow- ledged for his outstanding academic achievements in fish pathophysiology. On completion of his studies, Jeremy elected to return to Australia because of family, friends and colleagues and an intense love of the Australian environment.

Jeremy joined the Australian Fish Health Reference Laboratory at Benalla, where his capabilities in fish health were further realised. He rapidly established himself as one of Australia’s foremost fish disease diagnosticians, and undertook applied, innovative and original research on several important disease problems. He described and characterised the first viral disease of fish in Australia and described a number of new protozoan, metazoan and microbial pathogens of importance. Jeremy had a capacity to think laterally and across scientific disciplines. This is evidenced by the diversity of his publications in the fields of toxicology, physiology, taxonomy, virology, mycology, protozoology, disease control and quarantine, as well as pathol- ogy andmedicine. An accomplished speaker and teacher, Jeremy regularly contributed to national and international conferences and seminars and visited overseas fish health institutions, focuss- ing world attention on Australia’s emerging interest and capabilities in fish health. Jeremy was the author or co- author of over 40 publications spanning a career of some 10 years.

As a government officer, Jeremy provided significant assis- tance to the recreational fishing industry, the ornamental fish trade, commercial fisheries and the developing aquaculture in- dustry. As a result of this input, and his expertise, interest and enthusiasm, he became widely known and respected throughout the Australian fisheries community. As a consequence of his concern for environmental issues, he also worked closely with environmental protection agencies in addressing problems of pollution and its effects on aquatic animal health He became widely regarded as an authority in this field. As a member and chairman of the Standing Committee on

Agriculture / Standing Committee on Fisheries Joint Advisory Subcommittee on Fish Diseases, and a member of the Animal Health Committee Subcommittee on Fish Diseases, Jeremy played a major role in formulating and implementing fish disease control policies at national and state levels, and was instrumental in the establishment of fish disease diagnostic services in laboratories throughout Australia.

Jeremy’s commitment to Australian fisheries was equally matched by his love of the natural environment and traditional music, major sources of peace and inspiration. Bushwalking, fishing, skiing, surfing, sailing and diving gave him great per- sonal pleasure, frequently shared and enjoyed with friends and colleagues. Jeremy was knownfor his sense of humour and quick

wit, his modesty, his sense of responsibility, honesty and in- tegrity, his commitment to high standards and his concerns about moral, ethical and social injustices within our society.

In addition to the deep personal loss to those who knew him, the death of Jeremy represents the loss of a young and talented member of the Australian and international scientific com- munity. On behalf of his many colleagues and friends, sincere condolences are extended to his wife Janet and to his family. A fine person, an able scientist and close friend to many, the world is poorer for his passing.

John Humphrey

Rosemaree Anne Fulton (Dore) BVSc

Our friend Rose Fulton (nei? Dore) died on the 17 July 1992, at 32 years of age, after a long struggle with cancer. Our association with her began in 1979 when we began the

veterinary course at Melbourne University. We knew her then as a light-hearted, friendly girl with an inimitable sense of humour, and a strong and honest Christian faith. In our final years at Kendall Hall, Rose would often pick up her guitar and a spon- taneous sing-along of gospel music yould follow.

After graduating in 1983, Rose workedfor a short time inmixed practice in Moe, before moving back to Melboume to work in small animal practice in Clifton Hill.

In 1985 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and was unable to continue her veterinary career on a full-kiiebasis. During the next 3 years she worked part-time at the RSPCA and at practices in Mt Waverley and Knoxfield In 1986 she married Laurence Fulton, and they had a son, John, in 1987.

Rose faced many difficult and disappointing times, but through her faith she was able to accept her illness, and continued to radiate warmth and love even when death was imminent. She felt no bitterness or anger.

We miss Rose, but are inspired by her gift of love, which lives within us.

Andrew and Wendy Milledge Tony and Ana Hayes

Rose Fulton at Kendall Hall in 1982

Alcstralian Veterinary Journal Vol. 69. No. 11, November 1992 296