Longtime Niagara vet went ‘above and beyond’ for clients
Dr. Ron Mergl, owner of Niagara Falls Animal Medical Centre, dies at 61
Dr. Ron Mergl will be remembered for his “infectious” smile, ability to make people feel at ease, tireless work ethic and giving back to the community.
“He always went above and beyond for everybody that he met,” said his wife, Dr. June Mergl.
“He bent over backwards for all his clients. He often gave them his cell number and we always got a lot of calls and he would go in to meet them, if possible.”
Mergl, who was a longtime owner of Niagara Falls Animal Medical Centre and Virgil Animal Hospital with his wife, died Saturday from glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive brain tumour.
He was 61.
In a tribute posted to Niagara Falls Animal Medical Centre’s and Virgil Animal Hospital’s
Facebook pages Monday, June said her husband “touched the lives of many individuals,” both human and animal, and that “his loss will leave a space that can never be filled.”
“His compassion and caring for all animals, large and small, and their owners for over 31 years at Niagara Falls Animal Medical Centre, and for over 35 years as a veterinarian in the Niagara region, will remain a cornerstone and tribute to him for many years to come.”
She said her husband, who was born in Welland and grew up in Pelham, was more than a veterinarian. He was also a Christian, a philanthropist and a family man.
“He contributed to, and participated in, so many foundations, boards, charity events, volunteer clubs and charities, that we have lost count.”
Mergl’s volunteer ethic was “ingrained in him.”
“He always believed you have to give back to the community that’s given you so much.”
June said her husband was an active participant — along with his family — at St. Andrew’s United Church for more than 25 years.
His “pride and joy” in the volunteer world, she said, was Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, where he was a past president and a multiple Paul Harris Fellow.
“He was extremely generous with his time and his money — to a fault — and could not say no to any organization or extended family member that needed financial help.”
Along with June, Mergl participated twice in Rotary International National Immunization Days against polio in India and Benin, Africa, spending a month at a time and using their own money to do so.
“He also travelled to Malawi, in Africa, for Veterinarians Without Borders to vaccinate hyenas and dogs against rabies, which was killing the local children, and, with the help of Rotary International, started a lifesaving program of rabies vaccination in Uganda, that also saved many children’s lives.”
June said although Mergl already had a Bachelor of Science and a doctor of veterinary medicine, he went back to school at Brock University, and received his masters of science in infectious and zoonotic diseases in 2010. He is listed as a co-author on several published articles as a result.
At one time, Mergl wrote a column for the Niagara Falls Review and, about four years ago, was honoured with an award of merit by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association for all the work he had done in veterinary medicine and outside of his profession.
“He was always attending veterinary conferences across the world to stay up-to-date in the latest advances in veterinary medicine, and to continue his high-quality level of care to his beloved patients and their wonderful clients.”
June said her husband was also known for always being on the go.
“He was busy with everything. He was full of ideas and projects and always planning vacations and fun things to do with his entire family.”
June, who has been a veterinarian for 35 years in Niagara, said she will continue to run both the Niagara Falls and Virgil clinics for the time being.
She said people who want to remember her husband can donate to the research section of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, Rotary Club of Niagara Falls and Veterinarians Without Borders.