Published On:Monday, March 15, 2010

By AVA TURNQUEST

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THE sudden death of well-known and loved veterinarian Dr Patrick Balfe, of the Eastern Veterinarian Clinic, has shocked family, friends and clients this weekend.

Dr Balfe died late Saturday morning at Doctor's Hospital after he collapsed at his Marathon Road north clinic.

Long-time customer and former dog obedience expert Maryanne Jones said: "It's a shock to hear that he's gone. Dr Balfe was my vet for at least 20 years.

"He was an excellent surgeon - very kind and caring towards animals. He always tried his very best to save an animal's life where possible."

Known throughout the community as an extremely respected veterinarian, Dr Balfe's passing was lamented as a great loss to the human and animal community in the Bahamas.

June Hall, President of the Bahamas Kennel Club, said: "We are very saddened by his passing. Not only was he great veterinarian but a very humane person. He was kind to both people and animals and always helped wherever he could not just to the kennel club but also to his clients and the wider community."

Dr Balfe had been practising vterinary medicine for 45 years.

Though he had set office hours, Dr Balfe always made himself accessible to his clients, and was known to receive patients right on his front porch.

Dr Balfe volunteered his services with the Bahamas Kennel Club since its first international dog show in 1982, performing the mandatory routine inspection of all foreign dogs participating in the show - free of charge.

Each year, for more than 20 years, Dr Balfe dedicated his services to the club - with the exception of one or two shows because of illness.

Mrs Hall continued: "It was only that year when he was ill that he did not do the inspection. We will really miss him and truly appreciate all that he has done to help animals. He was a very considerate and caring person."

Kim Aranha, President of the Bahamas Humane Society, added: "Dr Balfe was an extremely respected veterinarian. His passing is a great loss to both the human and animal community in the Bahamas."

Dr Balfe's widow, Paula, was at his bedside when he died. The couple had been married less than two years.