This past weekend I discovered that an old acquaintence of mine had passed away last July (2009). I shouldn’t have been shocked — he was overweight, in his 80′s, and always seemed to be either smoking, or chomping on the end of, a cigar — but I was surprised that I didn’t see anything of his passing… this man was “one in a million” and I don’t know how I missed the local news of his passing!
I first met “Doc” Small when he was a customer in a local restuarant where I worked in college. Doc was a character through and through. I knew he was a Marine, but I was surprised to see that he saw combat in WW II on Iwo Jima in the 7th War Dog Platoon (4th Marine Div) and was then recalled for active duty for the Korean Conflict was well. I knew he worked at the University of Illinois’ College of Veterinary Medicine, but after reading his obtiuary and his guest book comments, it became obvious how important a role he played in that institution. He was a friend and mentor to literally thousands of vet med students. He was a stocky guy, with a Marine Corp haircut who constantly had that cigar in his mouth. He was an advocate, a teacher, an administrator, and the king of alumni relations in his college. He was a pioneer in animal dermatology. He was a Marine. He was a Jew who attend synagogue. He was a war hero. He was a friend.
It’s probably been 20 years since I last visited with Doc. To me, he was one of those people who comes into your life and you see them regularly for a period of time, then life goes on and you lose track of each other, yet you always remember them. I worked in a local restaurant in college and Doc used to come in every Friday night – there were so MANY things I didn’t know about him at the time, but I knew he was a “good guy”…
Rest in Peace, Doc, and Semper Fi.
You can read his guestbook entries here.
His online obituary reads:
SAVOY – Erwin “Erv” Small, DVM, 84, of Savoy, died at 10:50 p.m. Wednesday (July 1, 2009) at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
A reception and gathering of friends will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 9, with a memorial service following at 6 p.m. at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana.
Burial with military rites will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. Jewish services will be held in August.
Dr. Small was born Nov. 28, 1924, at Boston, Mass., the son of Samuel and Sadie (Yauner) Small. He was the youngest of five children, Dr. Milton M. Small of San Diego, Calif., Harry M. Small of Phoenix, Ariz., Edward G. Small of Valley Stream, N.Y., and Pearl Throne of Marlboro, N.Y.
Dr. Small’s career has ironically paralleled that of the College of Veterinary Medicine. He enrolled in 1948, the year of the college’s first class. Erv first became interested in veterinary medicine after visiting an uncle who owned a dairy farm in Vermont. After his graduation from high school, he went to a one-year technical school (Vermont State School of Agriculture) to study agriculture. He then worked as a herdsman on a dairy farm in Vermont until World War II broke out.
He enlisted in the Marines during World War II and was assigned to the 7th War Dog Platoon. He and his dog were sent to Iwo Jima where they saw combat. He was discharged in 1946, but was recalled to duty in 1950 and served during the Korean War. His name is engraved on the War Dog Memorial in Quantico, Va.
He graduated from the University of Illinois and received his B.S. in Veterinary Science in 1955, D.V.M. in 1957 and a Master’s in Veterinary Science in 1964.
He was Associate Dean and Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine, for over 35 years. The awards and certificates Dr. Small received throughout the years are too numerous to count, but include the following: Outstanding Educator-National Award, 1973; Fellow of the Mark L. Morris Foundation, 1964; Faculty Achievement Award-American Association of Veterinary Clinicians, 1992; American Veterinary Medical Association President’s Award, October, 1992; Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian Award, 1993; Veterinarian of the Year, MSPCA, 1993; Illinois Veterinarian of the Year, ISVMA, 1973; State of Illinois-Proclamation by Gov. Jim Edgar-Erwin Small Day, Oct. 2, 1992; House of Representatives, 87th General Assembly-Proclamation-Dec. 1, 1992; University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association Award of Merit, 1972; Norden’s Outstanding Teacher Award, 1963, 1967; Outstanding Faculty Member-University of Illinois Dad’s Day Association, 1990; University of Illinois Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award at Commencement, May 1995.
He held the following distinguished positions: President of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, 1972-1973; President of the American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology, 1974-1976; President of the Society for International Veterinary Symposia, 1979-1981; President of the Academy of Veterinary Allergy, 1986-1988; President of Phi Zeta, Mu Chapter, 1985-1987; President of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology, 1979-1982; President, Speciality of Internal Medicine, 1978-1979; Fellow of the American Academy of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 1978; International Man of the Year, 1992-1993.
He also was a member of Sinai Temple and numerous professional organizations, societies and fraternities (including the VFW, American Legion and the 4th Marine Division).
Dr. Small was well-loved by all who knew him and will be missed. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Erwin Small Veterinary Student and Alumni Activities Fund, The Dr. Erwin Small Scholarship Endowment Fund or the Dr. Small/DermaPet Challenge Fund.