The veterinary community is deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Emeritus Professor Michael J. Day BSc BVMS (Hons) PhD DSc Dr(hc) DiplECVP FASM FRCPath FRCVS, with tributes flooding in to the BSAVA Book of Condolence as a place for colleagues and friends to share their memories of this very special man. Sue Paterson, BSAVA Senior Vice President, reflects on Michael’s life work and the massive impact this one man has had on the veterinary profession and beyond.