Linda Munson

WINTERS, Calif. and EAST DENNIS — Dr. Linda Munson of Winters, CA and East Dennis, passed away on May 13, 2010 in the company of her family and friends after a long, courageous struggle with cancer. She was 61.

Linda was born in Worcester, Mass., graduated from Wheaton College (Mass.) and received her DVM and PhD in Veterinary Pathology from Cornell University.

She developed an interest in the field of endangered species conservation as a research fellow at the Smithsonian Institution at the National Zoological Park. In 1991 she started her academic career at the University of Tennessee Veterinary School, moving in 1997 to University of California at Davis to head the veterinary pathology service and augment its wildlife health and pathology program. She remained at UC Davis Veterinary School for the duration of her career, rising to the rank of full professor.

Dr. Munson influenced a generation of veterinary pathologists in her role as head of the UC Davis residency training program. Many of the trainees who pursued wildlife pathology under her direction are now leaders in the field across the country. Her passion for teaching also encouraged numerous veterinary students to pursue careers in wildlife and conservation medicine.

Dr. Munson had a worldwide influence in advancing the science of veterinary medicine and pathology. She was at the center of a small group who developed and applied the concept of integrating animal reproductive health and management into endangered species conservation. Her research also documented the effects of infectious disease on populations as diverse as the Serengeti lions, wild dogs, hyenas, cheetahs, jaguars, and red wolves. In recent years Dr. Munson played a central role in the investigation of disease-related changes in populations of the endangered Channel Island fox as part of the US Fish and Wildlife Island Fox Recovery Team.

A key part of Dr. Munson's diverse professional commitments was her involvement in the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP), serving on its board of councilors and as president in 2004. She led many initiatives in the college with a particular focus on the evolving role of pathologists in animal research and the health care industry.

Linda lived life fully and with passion whether she was jogging on the beach with her Gordon setters, running up a trail at Joshua Tree National Park or making jelly and curing olives from her fruit trees. She was an enthusiastic camper, visiting most of our National Parks, enjoyed music, art, cooking and was an avid reader. She loved summer visits to her family cottage in East Dennis, MA and spending time at her California desert retreat in Twenty-Nine Palms CA.

She is survived by two brothers, Donald G. Munson of Brewster, and Scott C. Munson of East Dennis, a sister, Dianne Munson of Cambridge, Mass. and 3 nieces and 2 nephews.

Services were private. Gifts in her memory may be made to ACVP, 2424 American Lane, Madison, WI 53704.