  Steffi Kirschbichler
It is with deep shock and dismay that the ÖKV Executive received the news of the
passing of Steffi Kirschbichler. The ÖKV’s Vice-President for many years, she passed
away suddenly and unexpectedly in Salzburg on 3 January 2014.
Steffi Kirschbichler became involved in kynology through her husband, Richard who,
as President of the Kynology Association for the State of Salzburg, had organised
international dog shows since 1956. After his untimely death, Steffi then took over
the leadership of the association and the organisation of the dog shows.
Her commitment to and knowledge of dog shows led to her being elected to the ÖKV
Executive, where Steffi was to act as a consultant and adviser for shows and, later
also for the studbook and the judging section. She was part of the organising team
for major canine events, such as the World Dog and Euro Dog shows in 1976 (Innsbruck),
1986 (Tulln), 1996 (Vienna, Budapest) and 1999 in Tulln.
As Vice-President, she was, for many years, also the ÖKV delegate to the FCI General
Assemblies, where she represented the ÖKV’s interests with her individual charm
and a good measure of persistence.
As an all-round judge, Mrs Kirschbichler was not only invited as a guest to dog
shows throughout the world; her opinion was also appreciated in international forums.
She was dispatched to the FCI Judge and Show Commissions by the ÖKV and elected
to the obligatory Standards Commission several times by the FCI General Assembly.
Breed fanaticism was something quite alien to her. Coming from the show area, she
was also President of the Austrian Dalmatian Clubs and the Association of Swiss
Mountain Dogs in Austria. At home, Steffi Kirschbichler cared for and bred dogs
of the Hovawart, Dalmatian and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breeds.
Her work was also acknowledged in the public arena. For example, she was awarded
the Silver Order of Merit of the State of Salzburg and also held the Silver Salzburg
City Seal award. Moreover, she was presented with the Golden Badge of Honour by
the ÖKV General Assembly and, associated with this, Honorary Membership of the ÖKV.
With the passing of Steffi Kirschbichler, we have lost the Grande Dame of Austrian
cynology. With her motto “Cynology is my life”, she will always remain an exemplary
model for us together with the other prominent Austrian cynologists.
Dr Michael Kreiner
ÖKV President
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