Farewell Ocean Vet

One day soon, a TV series called Ocean Vet will air.  It's setting is the azure waters off of Bermuda, and it's lead is a tall, grey haired, grey bearded man with a voice larger than his already large stature.  That man in Neil Burnie, a resident veterinarian, mariner, musician, lecturer, TV star, etc etc etc.  It's easy to be a big fish in the little old pond of Bermuda, but Dr. Burnie could attract attention in even the biggest of ponds.  Truth be told, he literally swam with the biggest fishes in the pond that is the Atlantic -- sharks and whales.  Routinely.  A day in the life of Dr, Burnie.

To be forthright, I did not know Neil Burnie.  I knew of him in that generic way that you know a lot of people in the island.  He was a vet at my clinic, and I often saw him talking to large dogs and their clients, and got to know his notably booming, enthusiastic voice with the characteristic Liverpool accent.  Sitting in the waiting room at the Endsmeet Animal Hospital, I once heard him declare "THAT is an unusually aggressive animal!!!" amidst the characteristic and equally large growl of my Lexi cat who was just waking up from a minor surgery.  It was in recounting the story to another friend on the island that he was "the shark guy," and Lexi's reputation as a ferocious little tabby grew a bit when even the shark guy found her a bit unnerving.

It seemed everyone knew Dr. Burnie -- he had a reputation as a fabulous vet, but his personality had equal fame.  He spoke with a robust enthusiasm, in fact it seems as though he lived and breathed with a robust enthusiasm.  Be it dogs, cats, sharks, whales, turtles, he helped them all.  He was known in the community for both his passion and compassion.

I doubt anyone felt surprised when the news reported he was filming a TV series on the island.  He had that type of attitude that made it seem like a natural progression for him, rather than the exceptional achievement it actually was.  Education is a major component of the show, with identifying conservation issues and potential solutions, and hoping to dispel fear of animals like the tiger shark with knowledge of their natural behaviors.  Dr. Burnie was known to swim with the sharks quite routinely.

Trailer from Ocean Vet

I came across Dr. Burnie at the docks in Flatt's Village one afternoon while visiting the aquarium with Siobhan.  He was boarding his "Ocean Vet" boat, which I assumed was new for the TV series.  He appeared happy and enthusiastic to start his mission of the day, whatever it may have been.  He yelled "Ocean Veeeeeeeeet" as he pulled out into the harbour, and gave a wave and thumbs up on his way, a natural showman, even if the audience was only two.  To hear that this truly larger than life man passed away yesterday tugged at my soul all day.  Although I have left Bermuda, it still feels like home in some ways, and this man was part of the backdrop of the island.  I am sure that voice of his will echo through time with his work just as it echoed around the island during his life, but his presence is not one that will be replaced.  His research partner has already voiced a commitment to carrying on their work.  But today even the oceans weep for the loss of one of their most vocal ambassadors.  God speed sir.