VN April 2021

Vetnuus | April 2021 20 Mervyn Colin Oscar Campbell was an especially gregarious friend and confidant dating back 60+ years. He had an uncanny ability to make all things work; motor cars, inverters, computers, motor bikes to name but a few. He was always willing to “lend a hand with a smile” wherever needed. His veterinary career of some 40 years saw him contribute to many spheres all over the country. After qualifying from Onderstepoort in 1961, he contractually joined the state’s veterinary services and was posted to Namibia to combat an outbreak of foot- and-mouth disease raging at the time. Learning to handle fractious free-range cattle would stand him in good stead for the rest of his career. Having completed his contractual obligation to government, he gained valuable experience in private practice on the East Rand before starting his own practice in Pietersburg (Polokwane). Here he practiced for about 20 years; having built a complete hospital facility on the premises. Hereafter Mervyn was appointed to the lecturing staff at Medunsa where he taught applied veterinary practice to final year students. During this time, he was awarded the MBL degree by UNISA, became a financial advisor to a local manufacturer and an astute share market investor. He transferred to Onderstepoort when the two veterinary schools were amalgamated, from where he retired. Mervyn was an accomplished sportsman and excelled in many formats. Not only was he a useful medium pace bowler and a batsman; he played in the university’s first hockey team, was an accomplished horseman and much else. His passion was however golf. Already as a student he stood out, but in later years he became a scratch golfer, competing with the likes of Retief Goosen at the Pietersburg golf club. He played golf all over the country and enjoyed nothing more than a round of golf wherever possible. As an accurate ball striker, he recorded nine holes-in-one; a truly remarkable achievement. He also contributed to golf management and served as the president of the Pretoria Golf Club. Mervyn married Martie van der Merwe in July 1960 and they were blessed with six children: Jenifer, Erica, Robert, Elizabeth (Libby), Christine and Angus; and several grandchildren. Mervyn was an exemplary father and a doting grandfather. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the family at this difficult time. Mervyn will be sorely missed by all who knew him and especially when, after 60 years of bridge, we next sit down to a game. Rest in peace my friend. v Neville Owen Tribute to Mervyn Campbell (28 March 1938 – 25 February 2021) LIMITED STOCK! R45/mask (Courier fee of R125 applies) Contact Sonja van Rooyen: Tel: 082 511 2212 E-mail: assistant@sava.co.za SAVA Footprint Facemasks