September 11, 2023
The Marvellous Bobbie Flight 1965 - 2023
On behalf of MWI Animal Health we are devastated to announce the sudden passing of our dear friend and colleague Bobbie Flight.
Bobbie, Bobs, the “Bobster” - The shining light that lit up every room she entered in a whirlwind of vitality and colour - how can we ever begin to fill the hole she has left in our industry.
Her reputation and career touched all areas of the veterinary industry. In 1985, Bobbie achieved her Registered Animal Nursing Auxillary (RANA) qualification from Berkshire College of Agriculture whilst working for House and Jackson, a mixed practice in Essex. As one of the youngest ever to obtain this qualification she remained immensely proud of her nursing roots, something she never failed to mention in her presentation introductions, (“I qualified even before the green book days!”)
In 1987, as her career developed, Bobbie took on a Sales role for Willingtons Veterinary Supplies before moving on to the Veterinary Wholesaler, NVS. Following this, she worked as a Project Manager for Bayer Animal Health before gaining a Diploma in Professional Marketing.
In 2003, she joined Intervet UK as a Business Development Manager where she formed lifelong friendships, alongside whom she set up a CPD portfolio that went on to train thousands of Veterinary Receptionists, Nurses, Surgeons and business owners.
When Bobbie joined the St Francis Buying Group in 2012 (now MWI Buying Group), the Business Academy was born. Here she continued to train many veterinary professionals and new graduates to this day.
Alan White, Senior Director of MWI Animal Health pays tribute:
“From the moment Bobbie joined the team in 2012 she not only brought her infectious energy and creativity but also a real knowledge and insight into an industry she clearly loved – and which loved her back. She built the Business Academy from scratch and gave it immediate credibility. We are so grateful for the time she spent in our team.”
Bobbie was first class at running workshops and putting you at ease, making you feel you were simply in her “front room”. Putting herself in “Her Clients Shoes” she made learning an enjoyable interactive experience for everyone. It would of course be wrong at this moment not to mention her actual shoes - which leave a memory of their own!!
Behind her veterinary persona Bobbie had a huge flair for interior design and I have no doubt there are many locations exhibiting that Bobbie style. She recently completed building her dream home - another legacy to her incredibly vibrant style. Sadly, we can now only imagine a house that has this “vivacious energy” emanating from every angle. Her talents were equally illustrated in the most elaborate cake designs many friends have been lucky enough to receive…decorated of course with icing shoes!
Mostly as a close friend, but as a fellow Veterinary Nurse (although a green book one!) and a work colleague to the end, I know I speak on behalf of all those close to her, all those who have worked with her and all those who have been lucky enough to have gained some wisdom and inspiration from her, that she will be desperately missed.
In the words of so many heartfelt tributes she was a once met, never forgotten character with a zest for life that thankfully leaves us with such wonderful memories.
Twirly, colourful, shoes, infectious laughter and organised chaos!!
To use her own words a truly “marvellous” character.
Bobbie’s funeral is to be held at ‘Greenacres’, Epping Forest at 1pm on Friday 3rd November. Her family welcome anyone who would like to join them in the celebration of her life.
Lizzie Major
Her reputation and career touched all areas of the veterinary industry. In 1985, Bobbie achieved her Registered Animal Nursing Auxillary (RANA) qualification from Berkshire College of Agriculture whilst working for House and Jackson, a mixed practice in Essex. As one of the youngest ever to obtain this qualification she remained immensely proud of her nursing roots, something she never failed to mention in her presentation introductions, (“I qualified even before the green book days!”)
In 1987, as her career developed, Bobbie took on a Sales role for Willingtons Veterinary Supplies before moving on to the Veterinary Wholesaler, NVS. Following this, she worked as a Project Manager for Bayer Animal Health before gaining a Diploma in Professional Marketing.
In 2003, she joined Intervet UK as a Business Development Manager where she formed lifelong friendships, alongside whom she set up a CPD portfolio that went on to train thousands of Veterinary Receptionists, Nurses, Surgeons and business owners.
When Bobbie joined the St Francis Buying Group in 2012 (now MWI Buying Group), the Business Academy was born. Here she continued to train many veterinary professionals and new graduates to this day.
Alan White, Senior Director of MWI Animal Health pays tribute:
“From the moment Bobbie joined the team in 2012 she not only brought her infectious energy and creativity but also a real knowledge and insight into an industry she clearly loved – and which loved her back. She built the Business Academy from scratch and gave it immediate credibility. We are so grateful for the time she spent in our team.”
Bobbie was first class at running workshops and putting you at ease, making you feel you were simply in her “front room”. Putting herself in “Her Clients Shoes” she made learning an enjoyable interactive experience for everyone. It would of course be wrong at this moment not to mention her actual shoes - which leave a memory of their own!!
Behind her veterinary persona Bobbie had a huge flair for interior design and I have no doubt there are many locations exhibiting that Bobbie style. She recently completed building her dream home - another legacy to her incredibly vibrant style. Sadly, we can now only imagine a house that has this “vivacious energy” emanating from every angle. Her talents were equally illustrated in the most elaborate cake designs many friends have been lucky enough to receive…decorated of course with icing shoes!
Mostly as a close friend, but as a fellow Veterinary Nurse (although a green book one!) and a work colleague to the end, I know I speak on behalf of all those close to her, all those who have worked with her and all those who have been lucky enough to have gained some wisdom and inspiration from her, that she will be desperately missed.
In the words of so many heartfelt tributes she was a once met, never forgotten character with a zest for life that thankfully leaves us with such wonderful memories.
Twirly, colourful, shoes, infectious laughter and organised chaos!!
To use her own words a truly “marvellous” character.
Bobbie’s funeral is to be held at ‘Greenacres’, Epping Forest at 1pm on Friday 3rd November. Her family welcome anyone who would like to join them in the celebration of her life.