Erwin "Erv" Small, DVM, 84, of Savoy, died at 10:50 p.m., Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. A reception and gathering of friends will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 9 with a memorial service following at 6 p.m. at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana. Burial with military rites will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. Jewish services will be held in August.

Dr. Small was born November 28, 1924 at Boston, MA, the son of Samuel and Sadie (Yauner) Small. He was the youngest of five children, Dr. Milton M. Small of San Diego, CA, Harry M. Small of Phoenix, AZ, Edward G. Small of Valley Stream, N.Y. and Pearl Throne of Marlboro, N.Y.

Dr. Small's career has ironically paralleled that of the College of Veterinary Medicine. He enrolled in 1948, the year of the College's first class. Erv first became interested in veterinary medicine after visiting an uncle who owned a dairy farm in Vermont. After his graduation from high school, he went to a one-year technical school (Vermont State School of Agriculture) to study agriculture. He then worked as a herdsman on a dairy farm in Vermont until World War II broke out. He enlisted in the Marines during WWII and was assigned to the 7th War Dog Platoon. He and his dog were sent to Iwo Jima where they saw combat. He was discharged in 1946, but was recalled to duty in 1950 and served during the Korean War. His name is engraved on the War Dog Memorial in Quantico, VA. He graduated from the University of Illinois and received his BS in Veterinary Science in 1955, DVM in 1957 and a Masters in Veterinary Science in 1964. He was Associate Dean and Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine for over 35 years. The awards and certificates Dr. Small received throughout the years are too numerous to count, but include the following: Outstanding Educator-National Award, 1973; Fellow of the Mark L. Morris Foundation, 1964; Faculty Achievement Award-American Association of Veterinary Clinicians, 1992; American Veterinary Medical Association President's Award, October, 1992; Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian Award, 1993; Veterinarian of the Year, MSPCA, 1993; Illinois Veterinarian of the Year, ISVMA, 1973; State of Illinois-Proclamation by Gov. Jim Edgar-Erwin Small Day, October 2, 1992; House of Representatives, 87th General Assembly-Proclamation-December 1, 1992; University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Assoc. Award of Merit, 1972; Norden's Outstanding Teacher Award, 1963, 1967; Outstanding Faculty Member-University of Illinois Dad's Day Association, 1990; University of Illinois Alumni Assoc. Distinguished Service Award at Commencement, May, 1995; and held the following distinguished positions: President of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Assoc, 1972-1973; President of the American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology, 1974-1976; President of the Society for International Veterinary Symposia, 1979-1981; President of the Academy of Veterinary Allergy, 1986-1988; President of Phi Zeta, Mu Chapter, 1985-1987; President of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology, 1979-1982; President, Specialty of Internal Medicine, 1978-1979; Fellow of the American Academy of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 1978; International Man of the Year, 1992-1993. He is also a member of Sinai Temple and numerous professional organizations, societies, and fraternities (including the VFW, American Legion, and the 4th Marine Division). Dr. Small was well loved by all who knew him and will be missed. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Dr. Erwin Small Veterinary Student and Alumni Activities Fund, The Dr. Erwin Small Scholarship Endowment Fund or the Dr. Small/DermaPet Challenge Fund. If you wish to make a memorial contribution to one of the above listed funds named for Dr. Small, please visit http://www.vetmed.illinois.edu/advancement/giving.html or contact the office of advancement at (217) 333-2762 or by email at advancement@vetmed.illinois.edu.