In memoriam Dr. J.I. Cruz from Zaragoza (Spain) (1959-2009)

With the following words ECVAA wishes to commemorate Ignacio Cruz.

On the 8th of October, 2009 at noon, after a long and painful illness, Dr. Cruz passed away leaving a wife and two children. Dr Cruz has left a long legacy behind both as a professional and as a human being.

Prof. Dr. Ignacio Cruz Madorrán, “Nacho”, was a most prominent figure in the development of veterinary anaesthesia in Europe and Spain in particular.

He qualified as a veterinarian from the Faculty of Zaragoza in 1987. “Nacho” choose to become a veterinary anaesthetist in a time when this discipline was no more than a small appendix of surgery in many veterinary schools, and when it was a real exception to go abroad to receive quality training. As a visionary he decided to go to Bristol and there he studied under the direction of Dr. Barbara Weaver and he joined the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists. He became the first Spaniard in obtaining the RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Anaesthesia after which he was appointed lecturer at the University of Zaragoza. He exhibited an extraordinary passion in the development of veterinary anaesthesia. When in his company you could never fail to be impressed by his exuberance and enthusiasm. This also encouraged him to learn more about laboratory animal anaesthesia and he became a research fellow at Newcastle with Prof. Paul Flecknell's group. His achievements and contribution were recognised by the granting the title of a foundation Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia in1996. He was often a visiting lecturer abroad and organised a number of training courses in Spain to raise awareness of the need for high standards of anaesthesia for animals not at least for laboratory animals. He offered new ideas to the open, fresh minds of his students. At the same time he was a perpetual student in his discipline, looking for better ways to do things and alleviate pain and suffering of animals. His life and his career were never easy but he always kept fighting with great personal sacrifice, effort and lots of enthusiasm. His example served as a great inspiration to a whole generation of young Spanish veterinarians who decided to follow Ignacio´s steps in the mission of bringing Veterinary Anaesthesia to its rightful place in veterinary science. The love and interest that Ignacio had for education and research will forever remain in us throughout the books, articles, and contributions he made nationally and internationally.

Finally, and more important for all who had the privilege of his friendship, Ignacio was a close friend, a generous man, and a humble Master who would never allow anyone deserving to walk alone in times of doubts and difficulties.

We do convey our sincere and deepest sympathies to his wife, children and the rest of his family.

Nacho, Dr Cruz, will be forever missed.