Goodbye Michael Deshield; Vet passes away
Michael DeShield
Well-known veterinarian Doctor Michael Deshield passed away this morning. Less than a month ago on November eighteenth, Deshield and co-workers of Belize Agricultural Health Authority said their farewells but his work ethic is evident as he maintained a presence at BAHA almost until his time ran out. The well-loved public servant had been battling cancer for some time. For over a decade Deshield has been featured in stories of national and local importance. At BAHA he served for the past eleven years and eight months as the Technical Director of Food Safety Services. News Five attended his last day on the job in November when he gave a lengthy and detailed presentation on the institution. He finished his speech by telling his friends and co-workers that they should all do their best to stay healthy.
Dr. Miguel Figureoa, BAHA [File: November 18th, 2011]
Miguel Figureoa
“Dr. Deshield graduated with a degree in maternal medicine from the University of Queensland, Australia and completed a masters degree in tropical maternal medicine from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. His thesis was on maternal drug residue in poultry.”
Michael DeShield, Retiring from BAHA
“I look around, very emotional; I look and see a lot of committed staff, committed to Belize, what we do that they neglect themselves. And we really have to factor our health; this is something I challenge you to do. We have good coverage, insurance. I’m the testimony to that or I wouldn’t be here. So I want you to make sure you look after your health. I see people really put their all into it and they can’t sustain that. We have lost from the BAHA family a very good person like Ms. Delilah said a fine mentor, a person you can easily approach and know that you are going to address whatever concerns we have. Thank you doc for the opportunity you have given us to be around you we feel so privileged to have had you around.”
Doctor Michael Deshield would have turned fifty-five in early January. He will be laid to rest later this week.
I remember once i took my cat for her annual check-up and rather than just saying “next when it was my turn he addressed the cat herself. He said “Miss Katie”. that was so nice, ever since i have been repeating that story. He was very gentle, kind and respectful to both animal and owner whenever he was at the Animal Medical Center alongside the competent Dr Jane. He will be missed.
Indeed he was always gentle, kind, loving and a very understanding person, worked with him for a couple of years, he was a great mentor and gave his all to Belize, we as Belizeans should do more and acknowledge people like Dr, Mike, long before he leaves us all, there are many true Belizeans, that love the country more than themselves. RIP Dr. Wayne M. DeShield.