Bob Young honoured with posthumous fellowship
Bob is credited as a major force enabling the VBF to become the organisation it is today.
A posthumous fellowship has been awarded to Robert Charles (Bob) Young by the Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF), in honour of his tireless work for the organisation.
Bob's widow Lorna and his daughters Caroline, Georgina and Stephanie attended the ceremony on July 17 to accept the award on his behalf.
It was an occasion of mixed emotions, marked by thankfulness for Bob's extraordinary contributions to the VBF, alongside a deep sadness for his loss.
As well as acute intelligence and unflagging commitment, Bob possessed great kindness, patience, charisma and a wonderful sense of humour. According to the VBF, many beneficiaries found new hope in their lives as a result of his personal contact with them.
Bob was a founding trustee of the Veterinary Surgeons' Health Support Programme (VSHSP), established around 15 years ago to help members of the profession combat problems such as alcohol and drug addiction, eating disorders and other addictions and mental health issues.
He is credited as a major force in enabling the VBF to become the organisation it is today.
Presenting the fellowship, outgoing VBF president Dr Lydia Brown said the organisation was “immensely fortunate” to have had a person of Bob's abilities working tirelessly on their behalf.
“Bob understood the realities and difficulties of the veterinary life, having been in practice himself for 40 years,” she added. “He understood the politics of the profession, having been president of SPVS, the BVA and the Western Counties Veterinary Association.
“He brought all this skill and experience to VBF, working as a council representative, as a board member and for his last five years, as honorary treasurer.”
In honour of all that Bob was, and all that he did for the organisation, the board awarded him the title of Fellowship (posthumous) of the Veterinary Benevolent Fund.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
