VN June 2020

Vetnews | June 2020 19 Sister Lisa Pretorius passed away after a long battle with cancer so very bravely fought. Lisa was the epitome of what it means to be a veterinary nurse. Her professional and personal life was devoted to caring for the animals of this world. She never stopped loving and giving of her absolute best for those that cannot care for themselves. Lisa was born in Lusikisiki on the 25th July 1973. Her father was a magistrate who was transferred frequently. The family followed him to Witsieshoek, Ondangwa in South West Africa, Rundu, Pretoria, and Eshowe where Lisa started school. She completed primary school at Irene Primary School near Pretoria. Her high school years were spent at Lyttelton Manor High also in Pretoria. She was a diligent pupil liked by both scholars and teachers. She was a prefect in her matric year and was apparently very strict. After matriculating she studied veterinary nursing at Onderstepoort. Sheworked as a nurse inprivate practice in Johannesburg for awhile and then joined Hill's Pet Nutrition as a rep and nutrition advisor. She then went back into private practice in KZN working in Mtubatuba, Highway Veterinary Hospital with Dr Willem Vergeer (with whom she developed a very special bond) and then Sherwood After-Hours Veterinary Clinic until the tragic diagnosis of her cancer was made. She loved her work and the people she worked with and they loved her. It is difficult to put into words just what Lisa meant to all of us who knew and worked with her. She had a huge heart filled with love for all her patients and work mates. She brought laughter, passion, zeal, punctuality, dedication, positivity, tenacity, and endurance to the work place. She never refused to help when she was needed and was a very loyal friend. She had no time for cruel, callous people who neglected their animals. She went out of her way to help deserving animals and their owners, often paying for treatment from her own pocket. She helped in many outreach projects in disadvantaged communities in KZN and the Transkei. The ripple effect of the good she did will be felt for years to come. She leaves behind her beloved and very proud mom Win, her dear partner Frank and his two children, and her two brothers Brett and Troy and their families She will be so very sadly missed by all who knew her. Heaven has a new angel. Rest well Lisa. Yours was indeed a life well lived. Steve Wimberley v Letter to the Editor Last month KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa lost a living angel. Please note that our fax number has changed: General: +27 (0) 86 683 1839 Accounts: +27 (0) 86 509 2015 Kind regards Gert Steyn: Managing Director Neem asseblief kennis dat ons faksnommer verander het: Algemeen: +27 (0) 86 683 1839 Finansies: +27 (0) 86 509 2015 Vriendelike groete Gert Steyn: Besturende Direkteur