Bruno Schiefer Obituary
Dr. Bruno Schiefer passed away peacefully on July 21, 2020, in Warman, Saskatchewan. An accomplished veterinary pathologist and toxicologist, he leaves behind a legacy of significant scientific contributions and as a role model of someone passionate about the science behind death and disease in animals; his work will continue through the ongoing studies at the Toxicology Research Centre, which he was instrumental in establishing.
Bruno Schiefer was born in Cologne, Germany on August 25, 1929 to Therese Meyer and Wilhelm Schiefer. He never spoke much of his adolescence, which was heavily marked by World War II during which he spent considerable time in rural Westerwald, where the Schiefer family originates and his strong affinity to animals developed. After graduating from high school in 1949, he studied Theology at a Catholic seminary in Bonn. In 1952, after deep reflection, Bruno Schiefer altered his career direction and entered Veterinary Science. He earned both his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1956 and the equivalent of a Ph.D. in Veterinary Pathology from the University of Munich. During this time, he met Elisabeth Hesse and in December 1957, they married in Munich. In 1966, Dr. Schiefer was invited to spend a year as a visiting professor at the University of Connecticut—an opportunity that would prove instrumental in expanding his world view.
A life-changing opportunity arose in 1969 when he was asked to join a team of scientists to investigate the controversial hunting of Canadian harp seals. As a side trip, he visited Saskatoon while being recruited by the University of Saskatchewan. After returning to Munich the family made the bold decision to leave Germany and immigrate to Canada. In July, the newly built Western College of Veterinary Medicine opened with Dr. Schiefer as a founding member of the Department of Veterinary Pathology. After just one year he won the prize for best teaching and within two years, Dr. Schiefer became acting head of the department. By 1974, he was appointed department head.
Dr. Schiefer and his family found a welcoming immigrant community in Saskatoon. His four children, Bernhard, Barbara, Monica, and Michael grew up surrounded by many cultures and languages. Dr. Schiefer encouraged the natural curiosity of childhood; while generally strict and formal in his parenting ways, he placed great value on education and exploration.
After a sabbatical in Switzerland, Dr. Schiefer served as Chairman of the Toxicology Group in the College of Graduate Studies and Research from 1978 to 1983. He took on the daunting task of lobbying for the establishment of a Toxicology Research Centre, which was finally created in 1983. In 2007, he fully realized his dream of creating a world-class facility as the culmination of a thirty-year struggle. The success of the Toxicology Research Centre and the development of the Canadian Network of Toxicology Centres were Dr. Schiefer’s greatest accomplishments.
In the early 80s, the Canadian Department of External Affairs, asked Dr. Schiefer to examine the alleged use of mycotoxins as chemical warfare agents in Southeast Asia. His report from that study became an official UN document in 1982. He served as President of the Society of Toxicology of Canada from 1983 to 1985. After his tenure he was honoured with the Award of Distinction for “exceptional contribution to his profession and the Society.”
Dr. Schiefer’s greatest love was his work. He believed in science. Dr. Schiefer will be remembered for dedication to truth and progress, for his academic enthusiasm and adventurous curiosity. He held high expectations for himself and others, and he inspired greatness in those around him. Even after retirement and a stroke in 1993, he stayed connected with the university community and remained committed to the pursuit of knowledge and education.
A small private ceremony was held to lay Dr. Schiefer’s ashes to rest next to his beloved Dr. Ursula Wolff at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Saskatoon. His family plans to celebrate his life in 2021.
Dr. Schiefer is survived by his four children: Bernhard (Nela), Barbara, Monica (Ralf) and Michael (Torrie) as well as his five grandchildren, Mackenzie, Nicholas, Jonathan, Katie, and Pascal, and his nephew Dr. Thomas Hungenberg. The family would like to thank Marla for her years of dedicated support. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the H.B. (Bruno) Schiefer Graduate Student Travel Award (c/o Adriana Brown) at the Toxicology Centre.
