Monday, August 14, 2023
What many people in animal science have, unfortunately, forgotten was that the agricultural reproductive industry was started and advanced by the research and dedication practiced by Canadian scientists in that field here in Canada that set the standards for the industry at an international level. It also helped ensure the highest quality of germplasm that could be developed that was germ free and with virtually no risk of carrying highly significant animal diseases to other countries. This allowed Canada an unparalleled advantage in the market place and was key to producing an extremely successful and economically viable Artificial Insemination agricultural industry. Andrzej was a significant contributor to that effort - he was the last of those great Government of Canada reproductive scientists that helped create and forge that path to success. I had the privilege of working with Andrzej over the last 10 years of his career at ADRI/OLF and be part of some of the manuscripts he published in the field that are still being referenced to this day. So that the lessons would not be lost and as the last duty he assumed before retiring, Andrzej wrote and published his last manuscript which was a review of the history of the agricultural reproductive research conducted in Canada that lead to such a successful and internationally recognized industry. I was honored that he asked me to review and comment on that manuscript before it was formally submitted. It wasn't just the dedication to his field, Andrzej was an extremely nice and friendly person with no hidden agendas. In reading his obituary I can concur about his love of the outdoors and that exhilaration he would tell me about with the sports activities he loved to do at night or on weekends when not at work. He had a 'Dr. Jekyl, Mr. Hyde' persona - mild mannered competent and quiet scientist by day, but 'need for speed' person at night (weekend). Obviously he also lived life to the fullest and good for him. I am so sorry for the delay in getting this response to you but was unaware of Andrzej's passing until this morning when I returned from vacation. The news of his passing saddens me greatly. I can only offer my sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
In sympathy,
John Devenish, Ph.D.
CofE Leader/Microbiologist,
CFIA/Ottawa Laboratory Fallowfield (formerly ADRI)
