Obituary of Peter Douglas Conlon

Passed unexpectedly at his home on Monday, August 18, 2025, in his 73rd year. Beloved son of Douglas and Nancy Conlon. Devoted Dad of Andrew (Caitlin) and Olivia (Scott). Proud Grampa of Ewan and Samuel. Dear brother of Michael (Diane). Best friend for over 25 years to Stuart Holloway. Beloved Dog Dad to Winston, Toby, Ed, and Rupert. Peter will be deeply missed by Jennifer, his entire family, his many friends and colleagues, and by his cat-nephew Henry, who is the sworn enemy of Rupert. 

Dad, where to even begin? You were a fantastic father to us and to your four-legged fur children. You were selfless and compassionate. The most caring person we knew. Always considering others’ needs before your own. You were cherished by all who knew you. You were the best Grampa to Ewan, whom you affectionately named Wombat and Fang Face (once he started teething), and you blessed Samuel with your love of dogs. Your kind heart was epitomized by the fact that you would always adopt the older dogs with health issues, as you knew they would have trouble finding a home. You were absolutely the best thing that ever happened to Winston, Toby, Ed, and Rupert, and they were all so lucky to have you as their Dad. Beyond being the best Dad, your career was your passion and an important part of your life.

Peter had an illustrious and impactful career at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC). He graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 1980 and a PhD in pharmacology in 1986, and subsequently earned a Master of Education.  

Peter dedicated his career to supporting and educating student veterinarians, placing equal emphasis on their personal and professional development. In this way, he was a pioneer in veterinary medical education. He served as assistant dean and then associate dean of students. Over his career, Peter taught and led many courses at OVC, including the Art of Veterinary Medicine, bringing ethics and professionalism into the program. Peter championed the development of the OVC Peer Helper program, the Wellness Wednesdays speakers series, the OVC Counsellor-in-Residence initiative, and the incorporation of a focus on well-being in the DVM curriculum. 

In 2012, Peter accepted the directorship of the OVC Primary Healthcare Centre, launching an innovative model for teaching veterinary primary care skills, a model which is still considered best in class. Peter was more recently instrumental in the development of the Collaborative DVM Program, helping to solve Ontario’s shortage in veterinary capacity in rural and remote regions. Throughout his career, Peter never took his eyes off the success and well-being of the DVM students. 

In recent times, Peter began volunteering at the Chalmers Center, which brought him a great deal of fulfillment and joy. He would always share how much he enjoyed his Friday mornings at Chalmers, even if it meant taking a nap afterwards! From the stories we have heard in recent days, it is clear that he was a well-loved and valued member of the Chalmers community. 
You were taken from us much too soon Dad, and we miss you every moment of the day. Although you are no longer physically with us, your legacy of kindness lives on in all those who had the opportunity to know you and your beautiful grandsons, Ewan and Samuel. 

A Celebration of Life for Peter will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025 at the Arboretum Center (250 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, ON N1G 0C2) from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. We welcome all to join us. 

For those who wish, donations in Peter’s memory to the Chalmers Center (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/48864) or the OVC Pet Trust (https://bbis.alumni.uoguelph.ca/BBIS_Cannon/give/ovcpettrust-tribute) would be sincerely appreciated by the family and would be very meaningful to Peter.