Jean Szkotnicki (nee Surgeoner), 70, passed away on June 30, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. She left this world surrounded by family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of determination, strength and resilience.
Born on March 7, 1953 in Newmarket, Jean spent most of her life in the Guelph-area. Her love of horses led her to major in animal science at the University of Guelph. Jean built a distinguished career from her degrees that included leading the Canadian Animal Health Institute for over 25 years and chairing industry boards like the Canadian Animal Health Product Regulatory Advisory Board for Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Jean received many accolades for her work including induction into the Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2017 and an Honorary Degree from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2022 for championing responsible use of antibiotics in animals.
Jean’s professional accomplishments are more impressive given personal hardships, including the loss of her only son, Peter, from mental illness at the age of 23. The loss of Peter inspired Jean and her husband Bill to endow a legacy fund in his name to support youth mental health programs in the Guelph Community. In 2019, Jean lost Bill, her husband of over 40 years to cancer.
In addition to a large network of professional colleagues and cherished horse friends, Jean will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by her brothers, Gord (Sarah) and Don (Lynn) Surgeoner as well as her nieces and nephews. Her niece Jade and nephew Joel are to be commended for the extraordinary care and compassion they provided to Jean throughout her brief battle with cancer. The family would also like to thank Megan Jones, Donald McCaig and Jeff McFarlane for their tireless support of both Jean and the farm, as well as Tess Tungol and the team who showed great compassion and care.
In honour of Jean’s memory, donations to the Peter Szkotnicki Legacy Fund (Guelph Community Foundation) would be greatly appreciated. A celebration of life will be held at a later date and time where family and friends will gather to share memories and find solace in one another.