Surrounded by family, Russell Allan Willoughby, loving husband of Peggy (Ramsey) passed peacefully on April 17, 2018 in Guelph, ON.
Born July 7, 1933 in Tilston, MB to the late J.T. Wilfred and M. Christina (Young) Willoughby, Russ was raised on the family farm in Alameda, SK. By age 11, Russ was driving grain into town. His passion for farming and driving never faded.
Russ obtained a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Toronto (Guelph) in 1957. He established a large animal veterinary practice in Grenfell, SK then obtained a PhD from Cornell University in 1965, before returning to the Ontario Veterinary College where he was a Professor, Head of Medicine, Chair of Clinical Studies and Associate Dean Research and Development. Russ established and was the first Director of the Equine Research Centre. He was a charter member of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, member of the Canadian and American Veterinary Medical Associations, President of the Guelph Rotary Club, Hospice Wellington, Guelph Probus and a member of Wellington County Lung Association and Guelph Wellington Men’s Club.
Russ treasured family and challenged us to be the very best we could be. He lived by the Golden Rule, and valued good friends, hard work, honesty and service to others.
Survived by his devoted wife, Peggy, son Doug (Connalyn), daughters Joanne (Jonathan McSherry) and Sandra (Steve Waters), grandchildren Corene, Lauren, Adrienne and Rowan. Predeceased by his brother Gerald.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday May 11, 2018 at Harcourt Memorial United Church, 87 Dean Ave, Guelph, ON.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice Wellington. Donation cards are available at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, Guelph (519-821-5077).