"His contribution to vet medicine and animal welfare is immeasurable"
BVA president Robin Hargreaves has led tributes to Lord Ballyedmond, who was among four men killed in a helicopter crash in Norfolk yesterday (13).
Lord Ballyedmond had been an honorary associate member of the BVA since 2004 and was founder of veterinary pharmaceutical company Norbrook Laboratories.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Lord Ballyedmond," said Mr Hargreaves.
"He has been a great supporter of the veterinary profession and of BVA, and made an enormous contribution to veterinary medicine.
"He built opportunity for thousands of people in Northern Ireland and around the world and had a huge commercial and industrial presence throughout my whole career.
"Above all Lord Ballyedmond was a family man and all our thoughts are with his wife and children at this time.”
The RCVS said it was saddened to hear of the death of Lord Ballymond, Dr Edward Haughley.
"He was a long-term friend and supporter of the veterinary profession and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)," a statement said.
"Lord Ballyedmond's contribution to veterinary medicine and the welfare of animals has been immeasurable. He will be sorely missed by the veterinary profession and those associated with it."
Lord Ballyedmond founded the Newry-based Norbrook Laboratories in 1968, which he grew to become a global leader in the development and manufacture of veterinary medicines.
He also ran a successful research farm in Northern Ireland and had a large agricultural and sporting estate in Cumbria.
He was known amongst the profession for his charitable acts. He supported meetings of SPVS, the BSAVA and in 2002 he provided financial backing which allowed the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) to hold its annual General Assembly in Belfast.
He was also a generous supporter of the RCVS Charitable Trust (now RCVS Knowledge) both financially and by attending Board meetings in his role as honorary vice-president.
In recognition of his immense contribution to the profession Lord Ballyedmond was elected as an honorary associate of the RCVS in 2005.
RCVS President, Neil Smith, said: “I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Lord Ballyedmond.
"His contribution to veterinary medicine and the welfare of animals has been immeasurable. He will be sorely missed by the veterinary profession and those associated with it. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.”
His company, Norbrook Laboratories has also issued a statement.
"It is with sincere sadness and deep regret that the company confirms our founding Chairman and CEO, Lord Ballyedmond, was one of four people who tragically lost their lives in an aviation accident at Gillingham, Norfolk at approximately 7.30pm on Thursday March 13, 2014," it said.
"Norbrook management and staff also mourn the loss of their friends and colleagues Declan Small (Site Foreman), Captain Carl Dickerson (Pilot) and Captain Lee Hoyle (Pilot).
"Our thoughts are with the immediate families and friends of the deceased who have requested privacy at this difficult time.
"We take enormous pride in our Chairman’s extraordinary legacy in establishing Norbrook as a global veterinary and pharmaceutical industry leader.
"Management will continue to advance his vision with a renewed vigor and determination befitting his memory."
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister for Northern Ireland Arlene Foster paid tribute to Lord Ballyedmond.
"It is with great sadness that I learnt of the passing of Lord Ballyedmond and I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to his friends and family," she said.
“Without doubt, Lord Ballyedmond was one of Northern Ireland’s most successful entrepreneurs, and he was known for his leadership, integrity and global vision.
"One-of-a-kind and a self-made businessman, he was both highly regarded and widely respected by all those who knew him.
“Norbrook Laboratories currently exports to more than 120 countries worldwide and Lord Ballyedmond worked tirelessly to promote Northern Ireland as an investment location.
"Not only has he made a huge contribution to the local economy but Lord Ballyedmond also devoted much of his time to charitable works and this is to be highly commended.
"Lord Ballyedmond will be sadly missed and his passing is a great loss to both the business and wider community.”
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