DR. MARCO ANTONIO LOPEZ DVM

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DR. MARCO ANTONIO LOPEZ DVM On February 17, 2006, at the age of 66, Marco passed away at the Sarnia Blue Water Hospital in Sarnia, ON. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Barbara; daughters, Jennifer Cynthia and Barbara Janice; grandchildren, Aida, Quinton, Pablo, Lindon, Beatriz, Mariel, Eliana, Princeston and Brinnon. Marco was predeceased by his father Julio; and mother Enriqueta. His outstanding career began when he received his veterinary doctorate from the Central University of Quito, Equador. In 1967, he received a Fullbright scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia to obtain his Masters Degree in Public Health. In 1968, Dr. Lopez completed his degree with a major in epidemiology, returning home to Ecuador. In 1969, he approached the Canadian Embassy and presented his qualifications to them. The Canadian government then opened the door to him and his family to immigrate to Canada. He immediately began his work at the Selkirk Animal Hospital in Selkirk, MB. In 1970, he evaluated the need for veterinary services in Beausejour, MB, and he opened a satellite clinic there. He worked very hard driving hundreds of miles each day covering areas from Beausejour, Selkirk, Gimli, Pine Falls, Lac du Bonnet, Renee and as far as Kenora. In 1972, he moved to practice in Lac du Bonnet and then in 1982, he established the Beausejour Animal Hospital. His practice included large and small animal medicine and surgery. He continually went above and beyond his call to veterinary medicine by providing seminars to the local farmers and holding vaccination clinics in remote areas where there was a need for such services. In the meanwhile, he served on council with the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association for a number of years. To further exemplify his dedication to the field he served on the board of the Veterinarian's Co-op. He continued working in Lac du Bonnet and in Beausejour until 2002, when he decided to move to Sarnia, ON, in order to enjoy a new life with his family and grandchildren. It was not long after that he realized how much he missed his work and he worked at the Winnipeg Spay and Neuter Clinic filling in when needed. When Marco came to work, he radiated the love he had for the staff, clients and patients. His dedication to his exceptional service for his clients and patients was extraordinary. He always looked forward to returning to Manitoba which would always be home to him. Marco was a competitive swimmer growing up. Besides his passion for swimming, he loved to read and to travel, enjoying scuba diving, windsurfing, sailing. He appreciated his long walks in nature and cross country skiing was one of his favourite pastimes. He prided himself on his outwardly endless energy reserve and at keeping himself physically active. Marco was a proud member of the Seventh-Day Adventist church and his dedication to his religion exemplified the dignified and committed life that he lead. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Sarnia. The funeral service will be held on Sunday, February 26 at 10:00 a.m. and a private family interment will take place on Monday, February 27. Donations can be made in honour of Marco to Cancer Care Manitoba, 1160 - 675 McDermot Ave., R3E 0V9. Cards of condolences can be sent to The Lopez family at Box 32, RR5, Forest, ON, N0N 1J0. Smith Funeral Home in Sarnia, ON in care of arrangements.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 23, 2006