Celebrating the life of

Andrew David Fisher

28th February, 1967 - 1st March, 2024
12 entries
  • Natalie RoadknightI admired and looked up to Andrew when I was one of his undergraduate veterinary students. So when I decided on pursuing a PhD, he was my number one choice as a supervisor. I feel so lucky he agreed to supervise me, as I got not only a thoroughly excellent PhD supervisor and adviser, but also a mentor in animal welfare and university teaching, a supervisor for my animal welfare veterinary membership and fellowship studies, a champion who supported me to pursue my goals and also to discover new goals and push my own boundaries, and a caring, kind, calm and trusted colleague who I could turn to for guidance during the often trying PhD and Fellowship study period. Andrew was extremely generous with sharing his time and knowledge, and I always felt he was there when I needed him. I feel so grateful for all that he did for me. His passion for animal welfare, veterinary science, and teaching, as well as his empathy for people, were evident in all of his interactions with others. He was a special person whose humanity, care and kindness made the world a better place. He spoke often, warmly and proudly about his family, and it was obvious how important you all were to him, and how much his life had been enriched by you. I'm thinking of you all Cath, Patrick, Georg and Eleanor.12th April, 2024
  • Caitlin PfeifferI first met Andrew when I was a veterinary student upon his return to The University of Melbourne in 2009, and was then fortunate to call him a colleague and friend throughout my PhD studies and subsequently as an early career academic. Andrew's kind presence at meetings, in working groups and in the tea room brought a great sense of peace to me and many colleagues, and I knew when I worked with him that we'd find a way to do the right thing by our students, the animals and the broader society around us. I learnt so much from him academically, but even moreso as a great role model to demonstrate the value of authenticity, compassion and being true to ones beliefs in every aspect of life. He never missed an opportunity to share with me how deeply he loved his family and how proud he was of you all, Cath, Patrick, Georgina and Eleanor. He leaves a great legacy with the thousands of students he taught and the hundreds of researchers he has inspired through the years, and his work sets the foundation for so much good to be done in this world. The ripple effects of his life's work will continue to be felt through Melbourne Veterinary School. May God keep us all in His care. 28th March, 2024
  • Janice SiegfordOn behalf of myself and the International Society for Applied Ethology, I would like to express my sincere condolences for your loss. Andrew was a wonderful scientist, kind person, and caring colleague. His warm and energetic presence in our society will be greatly missed. The world of animal behavior and welfare has lost a wonderful advocate and leader. On a personal level, I always loved getting a chance to catch up with Andrew at conferences--he was an excellent listener and his positive energy always left me feeling recharged. My thoughts and prayers are with you.25th March, 2024
  • Mark CroweI have so many really fond memories of Andrew here in Ireland with us. He was my first PhD student and was brilliant! My thoughts are with Cath, Patrick, Georgina, and Eleanor. Thank you for the precious time we spent with you all back in October. He will be missed by the International Animal Welfare - Scientific and Veterinary community. May you rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. Mark and Audrey Crowe21st March, 2024
  • Angus CampbellI was privileged to know Andrew from when he joined the Melbourne Veterinary School in 2009 - I think I was even on his interview panel! We worked closely together developing teaching subjects for vet science students, and he was my line manager for several years. He was a considerate, easy-going colleague and his quiet humility disguised a deep intellect. We traded stories and solace in managing the challenges of young families but I have a mental image now of Andrew doing that with his characteristic quizzical smile and eyes twinkling under ever-expanding eyebrows. I send my deepest condolences to you - Cath, Patrick, Georgina and Eleanor. As Andrew’s colleagues, we share a part of your grief but will honour Andrew’s spirit and legacy always. 21st March, 2024
  • Cam RawAndrew was so many things to so many people. To me, he was a teacher, a colleague, a mentor, a friend, a neighbour and the kind of person I aspire to be. We was warm, gentle, kind, intelligent, giving of his time and expertise and he brought out the best in people. He gave me opportunities I didn’t think I deserved and he gave me the encouragement and confidence to feel I belonged. He was interested in so many things, and I always knew I was in for a great conversation with him, regardless of what we spoke about. But no topic caused his eyes to light up as much as when he spoke about his family. He loved his family deeply and would show it every chance he got. He went out of his way to educate, to improve practices and to work towards what was right both in and outside of his work. I was so lucky to know him and I will miss him.21st March, 2024
  • Jo CoombeI was so profoundly sad to hear the terrible news of Andrew’s passing. Andrew was my PhD supervisor from 2009-13 and colleague from 2013-2019 at Melbourne Uni. He was an incredible supervisor but more importantly mentor to me. He gave the perfect balance of kind support but kept me pushing myself academically. When I was appointed in my current role, Andrew was one of the first people I informed because I considered he had been such a pivotal part of my career development. My thoughts are with all his family, friends and colleagues. 21st March, 2024
  • Anne QuainI was fortunate enough to get to know Andrew in the development of a shared animal welfare and ethics curriculum, and through the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists Animal Welfare Chapter. He was a generous volunteer. He was always respectful, kind, interested, smiling, supportive and patient. It was lovely hearing the words of Catherine, Tom and Peter, learning wonderful stories about Andrew's life, habits and world. My deepest condolences to Patrick, Eleanor, George and Catherine. 21st March, 2024
  • Paul EdenTo Andrew's family, friends and colleagues, I felt such great sadness and shock when I heard the news of Andrew's passing. I connected with Andrew through the Zoos Victoria Animal Ethics Committee. Andrew came across as a kind soul, always very gentle and considered in his approach, always open to seeking everyone's input, and always professional and balanced in reaching a decision. He will have touched many lives (human and animal) in his time in this world. My condolences to you for this loss.21st March, 2024
  • Anna SriAndrew was extremely kind and understanding. I was very grateful to have him as chair for my PhD. I know he would have made so much positive difference to so many people and animals because even with the limited interactions I had with him over the past 3-4 years it made a positive difference to me. My condolences to his friends and family after this sudden loss. 21st March, 2024
  • Marie HaskellI would just like to express my sincere condolences to the family. I did not know Andrew well, but met him many times over the years at conferences and the like. He was always so friendly and kind, and a brilliant scientist as well. He will be sorely missed.19th March, 2024
  • Aaron Hughes'May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand.' A gentle giant amongst men. Warm. Witty. Fiercely intelligent. His legacy will continue through his wonderful family, his wide and respected body of scholarship and practice, and his esteemed reputation amongst his many colleagues. With love and best wishes to his family and many friends. Aaron Hughes Former colleague at the Melbourne Veterinary School18th March, 2024
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