Wardle, Robert Norman, BVSc 1916
ROBERT NORMAN WARDLE
Robert Norman Wardle was born at Ballarat, Victoria in 1895 and died suddenly at his home at Canberra on 21 July 1979.
He was educated at the Ballarat Agricultural High School and at the University of Melbourne where he graduated Bachelor of Veterinary Science. As a young graduate he enlisted in the AIF and served in Palestine during the First World War as Officer Commanding, 8th Australian Mobile Veterinary Section, Australian Mounted Division from 1917 to 1919.
On return to civilian life he engaged in private practice in Geelong for the next 6 years, then from 1926 to 1939 he served as Veterinary Officer with the Victorian Department of Agriculture.
In 1939 he was appointed to the position of Director of Veterinary Hygiene in the Commonwealth Department of Health — an appointment which he held until his retirement in 1960. In this position his principal occupation was in the field of Animal Quarantine where he initiated many important measures and further enhanced international respect for Australia's reputation as a country protected from incursion of serious diseases of animals.
At the same time his official interests concerned certain matters of animal health within Australia more particularly those of direct interest to the Commonwealth.
The broad scope of his official duties may be gathered from the fact that he was Permanent Australian Delegate to the Office International des Epizooties, Chairman of the Cattle Tick Commission and Member of the Standing Committee of the Australian Agricultural Council. In 1949 he was Government Delegate and leader of the Australian Delegation to the International Veterinary Congress. On its inauguration he was made a Life Member of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists.
On the local scene Bob was active in community affairs in a period when Canberra most needed people of his calibre. For many years he was a member of the Canberra Rotary Club of which he was President in 1948-49. A long period as a leading member and President of the Horticultural Society demonstrated his love for gardens and people who grew them. He was also prominent for many years in the Australian Capital Territory Branch of the Australian Red Cross Society. Together with his wife he was a very active member of the Historical Society of Canberra. He was a staunch member and supporter of the Wesley Church, Canberra.
Close to his heart was the study of thoroughbred horses, their breeding and performances. Bob was never a 'betting man' but studied horses for their own sakes. Before he retired, he would tip the place getters on each Melbourne Cup Eve for the benefit of the office staff but would never back them himself. For the last 16 years with his wife he ran a small property near Murrumbateman where he bred ponies and fattened steers.
Bob was not just a veterinarian. He was a man who served his country and his community loyally and well. His many friends and colleagues will mourn his passing but will look back with pride to their friendship with such a man.
He is survived by his widow, Patience, and one son, Bryan, and family.