Veterinarian exuded warmth and humanism

Kaj Hermanson, a veterinarian celebrated for his warmth and humanism, died on May 18, 2026, in Helsinki at the age of 93. Born in Parainen on October 31, 1932, Hermanson's life was marked by resilience, from surviving a severe childhood pneumonia to a fulfilling career.

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It all turned out for my good.

His early life saw him overcome significant obstacles, including a difficult start in a Finnish-language school despite a Swedish-speaking home and struggles with secondary school entrance exams. He later reflected that these challenges ultimately proved fortunate, allowing him extra time to mature before excelling in his matriculation exams.

Hermanson's professional life as a veterinarian was characterized by a deep compassion for his four-legged patients and their owners. This philosophy was captured in his two memoir collections, "Veterinarian Stories" and "Back Then – A Country Veterinarian Remembers." He valued contentment and genuine connection over competition and pretense, appreciating what he had throughout his life.

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I was very childish for a long time. Fortunately, I got to write two years older than others, and the exams went well.

Even after a major surgery later in life, Hermanson faced the possibility of death with remarkable equanimity, stating he had already lived a good life. He was grateful for the care he received in his final years, spent in a service residence in Itäkeskus due to mobility issues.

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I was already given a good life.