Dr. Ernie Olfert (DVM, MSc)
It was with great sadness that Dr. Ernie Olfert’s family shared news of his sudden passing in March 2025. He is survived by his loving wife Diane of 56 years, son Anton, son Evan (Alexis), precious grandchildren and other family. Ernie grew up on the family farm near McMahon. He moved to Saskatoon to study at the U of S and in 1969 was a member of the first graduating class of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Following private practice in Calgary, Ernie was called back to USask and embarked on a 40-year career, where he showed passion and commitment to his work as a veterinarian, teacher, educator, researcher and author.
Ernie served as the Director of the Animal Resources Centre at USask from 1975 to 2007 and University Veterinarian from 2007 to 2010. One indisputable, invaluable area of his work involved establishing humane treatment of lab animals, using guide publications and online training courses for lab animal users worldwide. He regularly collaborated with colleagues to create and update the Canadian Council on Animal Care’s Guide to the Care and Use of Experimental Animals. It is a compilation of specific guidelines for caging, caring, receiving and using animals in research. It details disease monitoring and control and creates training for researchers and technicians.
Ernie was a dedicated supporter of many organizations including the Saskatchewan SPCA and the Canadian Mental Health Association. In retirement he researched family genealogy and published a book about the family history of his grandfather Daniel. Ernie is described as having a unique sense of humor and was incredibly kind and generous. There is a line from Galatians 6:9 that embodies Ernie and was included in his obituary: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
We are honoured that Ernie’s partner Diane can be here to accept this award on behalf of Ernie. Thank you Diane.