Obituary - Bryan William (Bill) Manktelow

Authors: Petersen GV, Jolly RD, Alley MR
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 51, Issue 3, pp 148, Jun 2003
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: General
Subject Terms: Veterinary profession
Article class: Obituary

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Abstract: When Bill Manktelow died at his home in his 74th year on the 3rd of May, the veterinary profession lost a major figure whose work over 50 years has influenced many people in all branches of the profession. Born in Sussex, England, Bill developed an interest in biology during his school years and, after a spell of compulsory national service, was admitted to the University of Bristol, from where he graduated as Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 1954. After 3 years in veterinary practice in Bristol, he emigrated to New Zealand to take up a position as Veterinary Research Officer at the Wallaceville Animal Research Station, Upper Hutt. There, in a newly-established pathology section, he became part of a pioneering group of veterinarians who identified a large number of important veterinary diseases. As individuals, members of this group went on to greatly influence the development of veterinary pathology in other countries as well as New Zealand.
In 1959, Bill completed a postgraduate Diploma in Microbiology at the University of Otago Medical School, and in 1961 he was appointed superintendent of a new veterinary diagnostic station at Taieri, now Invermay, a position he held until 1968. Bill returned to Bristol in 1966 to study for a PhD in the School of Medicine’s Department of Pathology. During this time, he tragically lost his first wife, Judy, from acute leukaemia, yet despite the need to care for her and their three children, he completed the degree in minimum time and returned to New Zealand. Shortly after his return, Bill took up the appointment as Professor of Veterinary Pathology at Massey University and Head of Department of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health, positions he held for 28 years, until his retirement in 1995.
With his intellect he could have selfishly pursued his own research interests and career. Instead, as Head of Department, Bill saw his role as an enabling one that supported the growth and development of his staff and he took genuine pleasure in mentoring them and in their achievements. He played a major role in university affairs, being a superb committeeman and chairman, always prepared, always logical, and with a great capacity to see things in perspective and search for sound conclusions. He was Acting Dean on several occasions between 1975 and 1994 and was a wise and careful custodian of the Faculty’s interests ensuring smooth transitions during these periods of change.
In addition, he published more than 60 scientific papers, wrote or edited several monographs and handbooks, including the widely used New Zealand Veterinary Handbook, and supervised a number of postgraduate students. Bill maintained an active interest in comparative pathology and medicine and served on the paraclinical assessing committee of the Medical Research Council in 1980–1984, as president of the Oncology Society, and as a member of the New Zealand Society of Pathologists. He acted as PhD examiner in the medical schools of the Universities of Auckland and Otago, and at the University of Waikato.
In addition to a busy academic life, Bill found time to become deeply involved in the affairs of the wider veterinary profession. He played an active role in local and special interest groups within the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA), and from 1973–1979 was a member of the NZVA council. He was a founding member of the NZVA Foundation for Continuing Education and played an active role as a board member until his retirement. From 1978–1980, Bill was an elected member of the Council of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists.
Bill also took a particular interest in the New Zealand Veterinary Journal, and on more than one occasion when the Journal ran into problems, stepped in and worked hard to maintain its high standards and continued publication. Because of his abilities as a scientist and writer, he was of great help to authors and editors. He remained a valued member of the editorial board until his death, and played a prominent part in producing the special 50^th Jubilee Issue. Bill also played a key role in guiding the transition of the Journal into the electronic era with the release of the complete archive online and on CD-Rom, and the development and launch of the SciQuest website.
Although Bill had no formal training in law, it was of great interest to him through his involvement in governance of the veterinary profession and his reviews of Acts of Parliament as they related to the profession. In particular, he was a member of the Veterinary Surgeons Board from 1975–1994, the last 10 years as chairman. His wisdom and knowledge of the law made him an outstanding chairman at disciplinary hearings. During this time he also played a major role in formulating legislation, leading to the passing of the Veterinarians Act and creation of the Veterinary Council of New Zealand where he served on its Registration committee from1994–1997. Outside the profession, Bill was a member of the Whanganui College Board of Trustees from 1991–1997.
In retirement, Bill maintained his interests in veterinary and medical matters. He wrote several commissioned reports and wrote and led the NZVA’s submission on genetic modification to the select committee of parliament, which was a daunting challenge. Bill Manktelow’s services to veterinary science have been honoured by the President’s award, NZVA (1985); life membership of the NZVA (1993); and as Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen’s Birthday Honours (1996). He is survived by his wife Pam, children Joanna, Guy, Toby and John, and three grandchildren, Harriet, Hugo and Amos.

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