Vale Stephen Davis

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Mr Stephen Davis who passed away on Thursday 16 July after a long illness.

Stephen was a Senior Medical Scientist and Mycology specialist in the Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Laboratories at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital/SA Pathology in Adelaide.

Steven worked in various roles in diagnostic Microbiology for almost 40 years. He began his working life in the Microbiology laboratory at the then Adelaide Children’s Hospital in 1975. He soon developed a keen interest in Mycology and became part of the Mycology Reference Laboratory as the Microbiology department evolved into the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

He devoted much of his working life specialising in Mycology, particularly identification and differentiation of problematic fungi.

Steve’s contributions to Microbiology in South Australia have been significant.

In addition to his professional position and contributions to the science of Mycology (medical and non-medical), he was also an adjunct lecturer in the School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences at the University of South Australia. He presented and supervised many specialist Mycology lectures and practical workshops for Laboratory Medicine students as well as providing much of the materials for the workshops. In doing so he has given many students the benefit of his years of experience in diagnostic microbiology and encouraged them to pursue careers in this area. Teaching Mycology was a particular love for Steve. He was a great teacher, delivering his lectures and workshops in a down to earth fashion and with great passion.

Steve was a long time ASM member and a stalwart supporter of the society. He was highly involved in the SA NT branch spending many years on the local branch committee as an enthusiastic committee member. He took on the role of Scientific Meetings Convenor for a number of years and was branch Chair from 2007 to 2009. He supported and included all areas of Microbiology and members found him extremely approachable and supportive. He loved sharing his knowledge and was a regular speaker at SA NT Branch scientific meetings giving interesting and entertaining Mycology special interest and clinical case presentations. He received an ASM Distinguished Service Award in 2014.

Steve will be greatly missed by his many work and ASM friends and colleagues.