Edmund Shillabeer started working shortly after he qualified as a vet in 1964, and after gaining his own practice, worked seven days a week, 365 days a year. He recently held his final surgery at his Harwell Veterinary Practice on Peverell Park Road, meaning he has worked continuously for more than 60 years.
Also a decorated race walker, Edmund said he dislikes the word 'retirement' and instead aims to focus on 'new challenges' as he prepares to turn 85 next month.
Edmund's work ethic means he has been taking night calls as part of an out-of-hours service well into his 80s, and was still working seven days a week into his 60s.
He puts his longevity down to a combination of family support, and the help of registered veterinary nurse Mary Millard, who has worked alongside him for 47 years.
"Certainly I think I am the longest running that has been working full time," he said. "The last I heard there was someone who was over the age of 80, but they were only working part time." He continued: "It's been my vocation, and I love seeing the beneficial effects of the work - job satisfaction in other words.
"I love the meeting and talking with the clients from all different backgrounds and hobbies and things. There's usually time to have a word or two, and I usually spend a bit of time chatting as part of the consultations. It's the personal touch."
Edmund started work for other practices in Newquay, Modbury and Tavistock before a spell alongside his mentor in Middlesbrough.
This story is from the July 24, 2024 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 24, 2024 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Salon shortlisted again for top gong
NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR SECOND YEAR
Dad sets himself a chilly challenge
A PLYMOUTH dad has set himself a freezing challenge for the whole of December, in an effort to raise as much cash as possible for the charity who helped his son when he was diagnosed with cancer.
Teachers follow pupils in tribute
A PLYMOUTH primary school has paid tribute to a Christmas classic for a second time after a great result back in 2020 when the pupils recreated the well-known East 17 track.
New police head 'the man to turn the force around'
THE man appointed to head Devon and Cornwall police while two chief constables remain suspended could help the force come out of special measures, according to the region’s police and crime commissioner.
Family's shock as Rolo is shot with an air rifle
'WE CANNOT BELIEVE A SICK INDIVIDUAL COULD DO THIS'
Elena is breaking down barriers in engineering
AN aspiring engineer is breaking down barriers for other disabled people who don't think they can pursue it as a career. Elena Brake used to be an artist but had to consider other options because of the physical nature of her work.
Knight & Hambly hold their nerve to win tie-breaks
VAL Knight and Caroline Hambly proved to be the tie-break queens in a very long match when they played Pauline Smith and Nichola Barraclough in Ladies C.
Argyle have decisions to make ahead of busy transfer window
THE January transfer window opens in a fortnight and all the indications are that it will be a busy time for Plymouth Argyle because of the pressing need to strengthen Wayne Rooney's squad in the bid to ensure Championship survival.
Bethell puts pressure on
CRICKET Brendon McCullum admits Jacob Bethell has given England a selection dilemma, leaving vice-captain Ollie Pope battling to keep his spot.
Keely is the 'real deal' - Lord Coe
WORLD Athletics president Lord Coe is convinced \"real deal\" and newly-crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year Keely Hodgkinson has already ascended to British great status.
