David Holmberg graduated from the Minnesota College of Veterinary medicine in 1973.  He practiced for a few years in the USA and Australia and then completed an MVSc and residency at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Canada.  He became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1982. Following this, he joined the faculty at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph in 1985. 

Amongst all his career achievements, David participated in key projects involving the Jarvick artificial heart and the training of human surgeons for heart transplantation procedures.  He trained and inspired numerous veterinary students, interns, surgery residents and graduate students in other specialties.  Recipient of three teaching awards, he authored and co-authored over 80 articles in refereed journals, authored twelve chapters in textbooks and was section editor for the second and third editions of Textbook of Small Animal Surgery. David was also the creator of the DASIE, a surrogate device used by many medical and veterinary schools to teach basic surgical skills without having to sacrifice animals.

David was a charming and courageous man, a dedicated and brilliant surgeon, an inspiring mentor, a wonderful colleague and a great friend.  He is greatly missed.