Chris Marlow

30/08/1931 – 19/08/2009

Chris started a private practice in Cradock after graduating in a time when there were few vets in private practices, especially in the Karoo. He had to prove himself and veterinary science, and gradually built up an extensive “specialist” practice in Thoroughbred production and reproduction that became well known over the Cape Province and even overseas.
 
On 26 September 1959, he married Louise, who became his soulmate, partner and right hand in his life and practice. They had two children.
 
In his own words, Chris believed that “If you can’t put money in a farmer’s pocket, it’s no use being a vet.”

Chris was a gentle man in his touch and worked with animals, especially horses, and never shouted.
He was a mentor and, with his contagious enthusiasm for his profession, role model, and inspiration to many a student.
 
Chris Marlow stood out as one of the very best.
As a student, he was one of the very few to be awarded the BVSc. Degree Cum Laude.

However, this academic excellence was coupled with a special ability to turn scientific facts into practical action.
Chris was one of the very first to implement Herd Health in South Africa in the 1960s.

Later Chris was one of the pioneers of uterine biopsies in mares and even did his own interpretations of the sections after training with histopathologists. When Contagious Equine Metritis become a threat to South Africa, Chris was tasked by the then Equine Practitioners’ Group to set up protocols for its control in conjunction with the Directorate of Veterinary Services, a system that has stood us in good stead ever since.

Chris also served for many years on the Eastern Cape Branch committee of the SAVA. He was also awarded the Clinical Award of the SAVA.

Nobody ever asked Chris for help or advice in vain – he was always ready with practical advice and a practical way out of the difficulty.
He had a phenomenally accurate memory and could quote dates, numbers, and circumstances of disease outbreaks decades later.
Truly a great man who dedicated his life to Veterinary Science.