In Memoriam: Dr. Carlton Gyles

Dear OVC Community, 

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Carlton Gyles, University Professor Emeritus at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC). One of the best known and most highly respected veterinarians in Canada, Gyles was a distinguished and inspiring member of our community whose contributions to veterinary medicine and microbiology have left a lasting impact on the field. 

Gyles was recently honoured with the Order of Canada, recognizing his profound contributions in veterinary microbiology. As an internationally renowned expert on E. coli, his seminal studies led to the development of new vaccines, improved infection control, and a safer food supply. The citation for the Order of Canada also recognised that his scientific skills and many different contributions as an academic have helped position OVC as a global leader in veterinary education and research.

Born in Jamaica, Gyles received his DVM from OVC in 1964, followed by a MSc and PhD. He joined the OVC faculty in 1969 and spent decades as a professor in the Department of Pathobiology. Throughout his career, Gyles made significant contributions to our understanding of how E. coli causes diseases in humans and animals, as well as more generally to understanding veterinary bacterial diseases. His groundbreaking discovery of the heat-labile toxin in E. coli as a PhD student at Guelph was crucial to the eventual in development of an effective vaccine for travelers' diarrhea in humans. He wrote and edited new textbooks on E. coli and on how bacteria cause diseases in animals.

Gyles was not only a brilliant and productive researcher but also a dedicated educator, administrator and sought-after mentor. He inspired countless students and colleagues with his passion for science, his integrity, his caring for people and his commitment to excellence. His colleagues and friends created the annual Carlton L. Gyles OVC Support Staff Excellence Award on his retirement, an important College award.  

His leadership extended far beyond OVC and the University of Guelph. For example, he worked closely with Health Canada and other health agencies, including serving as a key spokesperson during the Walkerton, Ontario E. coli-contaminated water crisis in 2000. 

In addition to his academic achievements, Gyles held various leadership roles, including serving as chair of the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, and later chair of the Department of Pathobiology, and as dean (graduate studies) at the University level, and interim dean of OVC. He was a founding fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and served on its board for many years. Following his retirement from OVC, he was the influential and effective editor-in-chief of the Canadian Veterinary Journal from 2008-2020.

Dr. John Prescott, former chair of the Department of Pathobiology and one of Gyles’s longtime colleagues and fellow veterinary bacteriologists commented: “The selection criteria for the Carlton L. Gyles OVC Staff Excellence Award captures some of his character. These criteria are that ‘The recipient should exemplify some of the characteristics of Dr. Gyles, including: Being an exemplary role model; Creating a positive effect of those around them; Being thoughtful and compassionate; Having a willingness to accept responsibility that goes beyond their job function; Being a mediator; Striving always for high quality; Striving for everyone to win; Being optimistic.”

“Carlton Gyles was such a gift to us all,” said Prescott.

Gyles's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of veterinarians and researchers. His pioneering contributions to veterinary pathobiology, dedication to animal health and veterinary medicine life-long dedication to service for the common good, creativity, and leadership in education and research have positively impacted our profession and public health in Canada.  

On behalf of the Ontario Veterinary College, I extend our deepest condolences to Gyles's family, friends, and colleagues. We will remember him with great respect and gratitude for his remarkable contributions to our community and the field of veterinary medicine.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joanne Hewson, Acting Dean, OVC