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Every AVECCTN member leaves a lasting mark on the profession and our community. We would like to honor our members who have passed, acknowledging their dedication to the academy, the patients they cared for, and the role they played in advancing our profession. We remember them for their contributions to inspire and improve the colleagues they worked with. As we reflect on their lives and legacies, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude for the knowledge they shared, the lives they touched, and the enduring impact they had on everyone they met. If you know of a VTS(ECC) that has passed and would like to have them included on this page, please fill out this Form
Louise O'Dwyer February 7, 1974 - May 5, 2019 Manchester, England
Louise was a force of nature, who lit up every room she entered. Anyone that met Louise would agree that she was a true inspiration and natural leader, someone who helped raise the profile of veterinary nursing - not just clinically, but academically and professionally. Louise authored over 35 publications, including journal articles, books and book chapters, making substantial contributions to veterinary nursing literature globally. She was a regular on the lecturing circuit and delivered a range of topics like ECC, anaesthesia, surgery and infection control, sharing her practical knowledge with nurses and technicians around the world. In 2016 she received the Bruce Vivash Jones Veterinary Nurse Award, awarded by British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) which recognises outstanding contributions to small animal veterinary nursing. Also in 2016 she was honoured with the RCVS Golden Jubilee Award, one of the highest honours for veterinary nursing in the UK, highlighting her exceptional impact on the profession. Many veterinary professionals say her influence has helped to improve standards of care, expand opportunities for veterinary nurses to specialise, and emphasised the importance of continuing professional development (CPD). In her spare time Louise loved to spend time with her pets, family and friends. She loved Manchester, gin or whisky cocktails and shopping. She had a quirky vintage style and was often spotted in beautiful vintage dresses. She also had a love of the ocean and in particular whales. She never took things too seriously and had the most wonderful mischievous nature. Now of her super powers was her warmth and being able to talk to anyone. Submitted by Elle Haskey Gary Stamp January 2, 1944 - May 26, 2019
San Antonio, TX
 Gary L. Stamp, DVM, DACVECC, was a visionary leader whose dedication, compassion, and unwavering belief in teamwork transformed the veterinary emergency and critical care profession he cherished. As Executive Director of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS), Dr. Stamp was often described as the organization’s heart and soul. His leadership marked by warmth, collaboration, inclusiveness, and determination inspired countless veterinarians, technicians, nurses, and staff to pursue excellence both clinically and professionally. Dr. Stamp was deeply committed to elevating standards across the entire veterinary team. He recognized veterinary technicians and nurses as essential partners in the care of emergency and critical care patients. His advocacy fostered a culture where their expertise is valued, respected, and relied upon. One of Dr. Stamp’s most enduring legacies is his steadfast support for the formation of what began as the Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians, now the Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians and Nurses (AVECCTN). He championed its creation and growth from the outset, recognizing the importance of specialized training and recognition for advancing the field. In gratitude for his vision and advocacy, Dr. Stamp was named an honorary member of the Academy, acknowledging his extraordinary commitment to the advancement of veterinary technicians and nurses. Dr. Stamp’s influence will continue to shape emergency and critical care medicine for generations. His legacy lives on in the teams he strengthened, the professionals he empowered, and the countless patients whose lives were improved through his work. Submitted by Harold Davis Jocey Pronko September 17th, 1970-May 16th, 2025
VTS(ECC) 2004
 Jocey was born in Hamilton, Ontario Canada. She earned Bachelor of Science degrees in: Biology from the University of Dayton, and Veterinary Technology from Michigan State University. She worked in the ICU at MSU's Veterinary Teaching Hospital prior to devoting the last 24 years of her career to leading Critical Care Services at Colorado State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Jocey's life was marked by service, compassion, and devotion to animals, friends, and family. She was the consummate mentor, shaping generations of veterinary professionals through her teaching, training programs, and service to numerous veterinary organizations including: CSU, VECCS, AVECCTN, and VetCOT (ACVECC Veterinary Committee on Trauma). After achieving certification in canine rehabilitation, Jocey was instrumental in developing the Small Animal Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy Program at CSU. She lectured on critical care at regional and international veterinary conferences. Sought out for her clinical and technical expertise, Jocey was beloved by colleagues, faculty and students and received numerous awards for professional excellence. She was patient, kind, compassionate, and had an amazing sense of humor. A strong leader, Jocey was a tireless advocate for ensuring the veterinary nurse/technician voice was always heard. Beyond her professional life, Jocey was an accomplished horsewoman. She was a loving mother to Rex, and a devoted partner to Brian Turse. Despite a lifetime shaped by autoimmune disease, Jocey moved through the world with grace, grit, and an unwavering will that inspired everyone fortunate enough to know her. Jocey was truly one of a kind. Her light endures in every heart she touched. Submitted by Leslie Carter LeeAnn Eddleman March 14, 1966 — November 6, 2025
VTS(ECC) 1998
Baton Rouge, LA
“LeeAnn was amazing. She was a surrogate mom to many of the technicians at the vet school and always went above and beyond to make sure that they had everything needed to be successful. She came in on weekends to assist in training new employees to build their skills and confidence. She remembered birthdays and anniversaries. She pushed all of us to strive for excellence, growing as individuals, not just professionally. She loved to cook and regularly provided snacks and other items for technicians when she was able to do so. She also organized many of the events for vert tech week and ensure that everyone was included and felt appreciated.” Submitted by Theresa Cosper-Roberts
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