Bath, GarethSouth African Veterinary Association. Veterinary History Society2025-09-162025-09-162025-01http://hdl.handle.net/2263/104329Article originally published in VetNews, January 2025, vol. 1, the monthly magazine of the South African Veterinary AssociationThe biography includes information about his/her education and career, scientific contributions and writings, honors and distinctions. His primary schooling was in the Western Cape (1945-1949), and his secondary schooling was at Michaelhouse, Natal (1950-1953). He then proceeded to Natal University for a BSc degree (1954-1956) and the University of Pretoria (1957-1961) for the BVSc degree. Cris initially worked for the De Beers Shangani Ranch near Bulawayo (1962-1965) and then at the Abrey, Sugden and Wright mixed practice in Salisbury (1966-1969) before Cris struck out on his own, building the first of his purpose-designed practices in Newlands and Avondale. These were staffed by recent graduates who Cris mentored and encouraged in their development (1969-1976). Cris also later ventured into an airline business, Plett Air, an AI station at Ogies, and a large bakery in Soweto and Johannesburg. The family moved back to Zimbabwe in 1981, where Cris started Pet Aid and the first 24-hour service practice. He established the Nyazengu Private Nature Reserve in the eastern highlands, operating as a trout farm and eco-tourism destination. He also obtained a private pilot licence, used for recreation as well as providing veterinary services. Two holiday homes were built in Mozambique but later lost, and the Nyanzengu farm was confiscated in 2005. He then returned to South Africa where he lived in Simonstown where he investigated and then marketed a novel copper/zinc dermatological regeneration product before retiring to the Helderberg Village.1 page; colour photoPDFen©2023 Veterinary History Society of the South African Veterinary Association. Provided for preservation purposes only. It may not be downloaded, reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission of the author. Any attempt to circumvent the access controls placed on this file is a violation of copyright laws and is subject to criminal prosecution.Veterinary medicine -- ObituaryVeterinarians -- South AfricaVeterinary Medicine -- History -- South AfricaVeterinarians -- South AfricaVeterinary medicine -- History -- South AfricaArticle