In Memoriam: Debi Mowat, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is mourning the loss of Debi Mowat, who passed away on March 18 at the age of 54.

Mowat was an exceptional person, with boundless energy and a deep commitment to student learning and our teaching animals. She played a crucial role in the continued success of the professional skills program, helping future veterinarians to learn the communication and professional skills necessary to offer their patients the best possible care.

As a former registered veterinary technologist with a background in both small and large animal medicine, Mowat made tremendous contributions to all areas of our professional and clinical skills teams. She was recognized in 2015 with a UCVM Staff Performance Excellence Award.

These were the words Mowat posted on social media shortly before her passing.

To all my friends and family, I want you all to know how important you all are in my life. I want everyone to be happy, embrace the bad and enjoy the good! I have lived my life to the fullest and enjoyed every minute. I love and appreciate every one of you!!❤️❤️

Mowat will be forever remembered for her kindness, big personality, and her willingness to help wherever and whenever possible.  

A celebration of Mowat's life is being planned in a few months' time and details will be shared when those plans have been arranged.

The Debi Mowat Spirit Award has been established to honour the memory and contributions Debi Mowat made to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Contributions to support this award can be made online here. 

“Debi loved nothing more than being involved with the teaching of our students at UCVM,” says friend and colleague Nicole O’Brien, manager, Spy Hill Operations. “This award is such a fitting way to remember someone who showed acts of kindness to others every day. We’ve seen amazing support from the community to make this award a reality. We are just $4,000 from reaching an endowment level, which would mean this award would exist in perpetuity.”