Jean Szkotnicki

Jean Emily Szkotnicki
1953 – 2023

It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of our esteemed scientific advisor, Jean Szkotnicki. Jean fought a courageous battle with cancer and peacefully left this world on June 30, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones. Her legacy of determination, strength, and resilience will forever remain with us.

Jean, born on March 7, 1953, in Newmarket, dedicated most of her life to the Guelph area. Her passion for horses led her to pursue a degree in animal science at the University of Guelph. She built an illustrious career, holding leadership positions in the Canadian Animal Health Institute for over 25 years, as well as chairing industry boards such as the Canadian Animal Health Product Regulatory Advisory Board for Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Jean received numerous accolades for her outstanding work, including her induction into the Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2017 and an Honorary Degree from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2022 for her advocacy of responsible antibiotic use in animals. At EVAH, Jean was an important member of our Scientific Advisory Committee, and her kindness, scientific and regulatory advice and contributions will be missed.

Jean’s professional achievements are even more remarkable considering the personal hardships she endured, including the loss of her beloved son, Peter, to mental illness at the age of 23. Inspired by Peter, Jean and her husband Bill established the Peter Szkotnicki Legacy Fund to support youth mental health programs in the Guelph Community. In 2019, Jean also tragically lost Bill, her devoted husband of over 40 years, to cancer.

To honor Jean’s memory, the EVAH will make a donation to the Peter Szkotnicki Legacy Fund (Guelph Community Foundation). For more information : https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/guelph-on/jean-szkotnicki-11353686

In these difficult times, let us remember Jean’s remarkable contributions to our team and the scientific community, and let her legacy continue to inspire us all.

Paul Dick, DVM, MSc

John Brennan, PhD

André Buret, PhD

Klaus Hellmann, DVM