Dr. Alfred Savage (B.S.A., D.V.M., M.R.C.U.S., F.R.C.V.S.) was born in Montreal in 1889.
He graduated from McGill University, B.S.A. in 1911, Cornell University, D.V.M. in 1914 and Edinburgh Royal Dick, M.R.C.U.S. in 1928. Joining the staff of the Manitoba Agricultural College in 1921, he served the university as professor of animal pathology and bacteriology from 1930 to 1945, a dean of agriculture from 1933 to 1937 and as professor emeritus from 1964 to 1970. Dr. Savage also served as provincial animal pathologist from 1938 to 1957.
Dr. Savage served as dean of agriculture from 1933 to 1937; due to the great depression, these were disastrous years for the university. The Board of Governors seriously considered closing the faculty of agriculture as it was too costly to operate. However, Dr. Savage insisted that the University Act be observed, which stated that the university would have a faculty of agriculture along with arts and science, law and medicine. Were it not for Dr. Savage, it is doubtful there would be a faculty of agriculture at the University of Manitoba today.
Dr. Savage was a very unusual combination of an intellectual and an entertainer. He was a dynamic teacher and his lectures will long be remembered by students, colleagues and members of the rural community. The missives so freely given from his vast store of knowledge were liberally spiced with criticisms and a delightful sense of humour. Dr. Savage was a devoted scholar. His research in pathology, sperm morphology and physiology and clinical medicine are recorded in numerous papers in a wide range of scientific journals. His scholarly endeavours have been recognized with a Fellowship in the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a Fellowship in the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
During his career, Dr. Savage was active in many professional and scientific societies including a term as president of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association in 1952.