David Lindsay, 66, professor of parasitology at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, passed away on Nov. 17, 2021.
Lindsay taught parasitology to graduate and undergraduate students for 24 years before retiring earlier this year. Before joining the faculty at Virginia Tech, he was a senior research fellow at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Lindsay began his career as a parasitologist working as a laboratory technician at the University Of Georgia College Of Veterinary Medicine’s Diagnostic and Investigational Laboratory in Tifton, Georgia.
As Dr. Steve Upton put it while introducing Lindsay as the 2000 recipient of The American Society of Parasitologists’ Henry Baldwin Ward Medal, “By the time David was accepted into the zoology PhD program at Auburn University in 1980, he had acquired an unusually extensive clinical knowledge of domestic and companion animal parasitology. During his years in graduate school, David was often consulted by both faculty and students alike concerning parasitological findings.”
In 1987, he became a postdoctoral research associate at the Zoonotic Diseases Laboratory at the Agricultural Research Service, which is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's research agency.
In 1997, he began working as an associate professor at the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Here, he collaborated with Anne Zajac, professor emerita of parasitology, on parasitic disease research.
"David was my valued colleague and collaborator for his 24 years at Virginia Tech. He was an internationally recognized expert on protozoan parasites and clinical veterinary parasitology generally, and his research on apicomplexan protozoa has contributed significantly to our knowledge of that important group of parasites," said Zajac.
In 2002, he obtained the rank of professor. His research focused on Apicomplexan parasites that cause coccidiosis, cryptosporidiosis, and toxoplasmosis in humans and domestic animals. He also studied zoonotic flagellates that cause leishmaniasis and Chagas's disease.
Over his career, Lindsay authored 450 papers and 40 book chapters. He was cited more than 15,900 times and gave over 500 conference presentations. His publication record was extraordinary, and it led to worldwide recognition for his expertise.
"Despite chronic medical problems, his publication and editorial output remained prodigious, reflecting his great love of parasites and research. He established collaborative relationships with parasitologists and other scientists worldwide and was unfailingly generous to students and colleagues with his time and extensive knowledge. He will be greatly missed," said Zajac.
Lindsay was a distinguished veterinary parasitologist of the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists and a member of the American Society of Parasitologists. He served as an associate editor for the Journal of Parasitology, the International Journal for Parasitology, and the Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology.
"His work is internationally renowned and will impact the field of parasitology for many years to come,” said Margie Lee, professor and head of the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology.
David passed away at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. He was the second son of the late James J.
Lindsay and Lorene H. Lindsay. He was preceded in death by his brother James A. Lindsay, sister-in-law Denise A. Lindsay, and niece Loretta L. Lindsay.
Survived by his niece Linda L. Heim, her husband Paul, great niece Autumn, great nephew Draven, and great niece Audra.
He was very passionate about his career. (As provided by Virginia Tech) He was well-accomplished Parasitologist. However, he loved to play guitar and a harmonica, family time, and fishing. He was a kind and generous man. He was also a wonderful mentor to many students throughout his career.
Lotz Funeral Home in Roanoke is assisting the family. No memorial service will be held. He will be cremated and his ashes will be buried with his parents in Albany, Ga at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Make A Wish https://wish.org, The American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists (AAVP) donation link https://www.aavp.org/make-a-discretionary-payment-to-the-aavp-2, and the American Society of Parasitologists. (Have to be a member for donation)
Cards can be mailed to PO Box 126 Muse, Pa 15350