Dr. Joe Lomas, the first veterinarian to open a clinic in Richmond, Richmond Animal Hospital, died peacefully on Monday, July 9 surrounded by his loving family.
He was 94.
The 60-year Richmond resident died after a long battle with heart disease.
His widow, Marian Lomas told the News that he was able to celebrate their 43rd wedding anniversary two days before he passed away.
Born the eldest of seven on Nov. 16, 1917 in Hamilton, Ontario, he knew early on in life he wanted to become a vet.
Lomas was accepted into the Ontario Veterinary College in 1939. After graduation, early in his career, the young vet worked as a meat inspector in a slaughterhouse. He made $1,429 a year.
One of Lomas early highlights was when he was assigned to care for 802 horses being shipped to Europe under the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Association (UNRRA).
When Lomas began his veterinary practice in Richmond, it cost his clients $15 to spay a dog or $10 for a cat.
Upon moving here from Maple Ridge in 1949, the population was 9,000, the land was mostly farmland and there was only one traffic light (at the corner of what is now No. 3 Road and Westminster Highway).
Specializing in larger animals, Richmond was the place to be for the young veterinarian.
In Sea Island, alone, there were 4,000 milking cows, he said during an interview with the News last July. I was also the official veterinarian for the B.C. Racing Commission for 13 years. I looked after the horses at Lansdowne and Hastings Park racetracks.
His duties, he added, consisted of examining the horses for overall health and wellness.
As a tribute for his 90th birthday, his niece Mary Ann Baynton, wrote a special edition memoir titled Random Memoirs, highlighting her uncles illustrious career and life well lived.
He leaves behind his wife, son Stan and daughter Joanne Lomas (husband Ron LeGros) and three grandsons Zack, Dane and Jordan. He will also be missed by his brother Al Lomas, four sisters, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, friends and former clients.
An informal celebration of Dr. Lomas life will be held Tuesday, July 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Austrian Club, 5851 Westminster Hwy. Everyone is invited to share stories or memories.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Richmond Salvation Army Rotary Hospice House or to the animal charity of your choice.
