BRMSH MEDICAL JOURNAL
44 44
BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
5 APRIL 1975
5 APRIL 1975
OBITUARY NOTICES
A. R. TAYLOR M.D., F.R.C.P.
Dr. Brian Taylor, honorary consulting physician to the United Birmingham Hospitals, died at Melbourne, Australia, on 10 March. He was 69. Alfred Brian Taylor was born on 10 March 1906, -the son of a London surgeon. He graduated in medicine with honours in 1928, proceeded M.D. and M.R.C.P. in 1931, and was elected in
F.R.C.P.
After
1944.
appoint-
junior ments
Bir-
at
mingham General Hospital he filled
mnore
senior posts
Brompton
at
Hospiltal, he came the
and
where
under
influence
Tudor
of
Ed-
wards. This determnined his lifelong devotion to chest diseases while he remained an excellent general physician. In 1934 he was elected to the consultant staff of Queen's Hospital, Birmingham, which he was to serve with great distinction first in its original form and from 1938 to 1972 in Queen Elizabeth Hospital. On retirement from the active staff he was appointed honorary consulting physician. Like so many young physicians of that time, he contracted pulmonary tuberculosis, which necessitated a
stay at Midhurst and was the start of a
long connexion as an honorary consulting physician to that hospital. The guiding principle of Brian's life was "service before self." He was often to be seen
in his wards at weekends
or
in the
evening. In 1967 he became a member of the General Nursing Council. He was also a devoted menber of the Thoracic Society and its president in 1964. For many years he was the mainspring of the Birmingham Medical Institute, first as its librarian and since 1960 as its president. He contributed many papers on a wide range of subjects
physician to the children's department, Charing Cross Hospital, and physician to the Sun Life Assurance Society, died on 7 December. He was 89. Richard Robins Armstrong was born on 28 September 1885 and in 1907 gained firstclass honours in the natural sciences tripois at Cambridge and admission to St. Bartholomew's Hospital with the Shuter scholarship. Af,ter qualification in 1909, house appointments at Barts and at the Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ornond Street, and becoming Lawrence research scholar and gold medallist and Ernest Hart memorial scholar, he was admitted M.R.C.P. in 1914. Later that year he fought in France and Belgium as a private in the H.A.C. and was not commissioned in the R.A.MJC. until 1915. After service in Gallipoli, he returned home to study the epidemiology of cerebrospinal meningitis, later being posted to an Indian general hospital at Basra as bacteriologist and physician in charge of infectious diseases. On demobilization in 1919 he 'became casualty physician and demonstrator in pathology at Barts and physician to the children's department at Charing Cross Hospital, resigning the latter appointment in 1921. In that same year he was appointed physician to the Sun Life Assurance Society. Though this was his main professional interest for nearly 40 years, his bacteriological research was pursued until 1934, gaining him jointly the Katherine Bishop Harman prize of the B.M.A. in 1930 and the Nichols prize of the Royal Society of Medicine in 1931. In the meantime he had proceeded M.D. in 1920 and was elected F.R.C.P. in 1926. Because of his professional reputation and influence he persuaded the actuaries to grant increasingly generous insurance terms to those who had hitherto been stigmatized as "substandard lives." On the introduction of insulin he was the first to recommend special terms for diabetics, and he devised an empirical scale of progressive extrapremiums for hypertensives. He was a generous host, a good friend, and a bon viveur who loved France and drove a French car with characteristic panache. He had a wonderful collection of butterflies, and for many years bred exhibition fantail pigeons, being particularly proud of his apponitmnent as secretary of the Fantail Club. He is survived by his wife.- H.L'E.
and in 1965 gave the Tudor Edwards lecture before the Royal- College of Physicians. Brian and his charming wife Marjorie dispensed the warmest hospitality in their lovely house. He was an accomnplished angler and many a fine salmon was pulled by him from Wye and Usk. Of Quaker R. J. KERNOHAN stock, he was a faithful menber of the Society of Friends. He is survived by his M.D., F.R.C.P., F.R.C.P.I.,
wife, daughter, and son, who is also doctor.-W.M.A.
a
D.P.H., D.C.H.
Dr. R. J. Kernohan, consultant physician to the Waveney and Massereene hospitals, County Antrin, died suddenly on 5 February. He was 55. R. R. ARMSTRONG Robert James Kernohan was born at F.R.C.P. M.D., Ballymena, County Antrim, on 22 February Dr. R. R. Armstrong, formerly casualty 1919 and educated at the Royal Belfast Acphysician to St. Bartholomews Hospital, ademical Institution and Queen's University,
Belfast, graduating in medicine with firstclass honours in 1941. After a house appointment he served in the R.A.M.C. until the end of the second world war. He then returned to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, proceeded M.D. in 1947, and in 1949 was appointed consultant physician to the Waveney and Massereene hospitals. In 1958 he was elected F.R.C.P.I. and in 1973 F.R.C.P. London. He was an examiner in medicine at Queen's University, senior examiner at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, and a junior censor of the college. He took a major part in postgraduate teaching and was responsible for the establishment and running of the postgraduate centre at Waveney Hospital. Last November he was elected president of the Irish Cardiological Society. Dr. Kernohan's great interest was in the coronary care of patients, with 'the establishment about 10 years ago of the cardiac amnbulance, which was fitted out for the treatment of coronary patients before admission to hospital. He was responsible for the reconstruction and equipment of a cardiac unit at the Waveney, and for a new enlarged and up-to-date unit which is nearing completion. A prodigious reader, he conversed easily on philosophy and theology. He was a magistrate, a Freemason, and a member of the kirk session of his church, and was highly respected by his colleagues. Many former patients of his have shown their gratitude by helping to raise money for the erection of the new candiac unit. Dr. Kernohan will be sadly missed. He is survived by his wife, three sons, and two daughters. One of his sons is a doctor and another a veterinary surgeon, and one of his daughters will be taking the final M.D. next year.-C.J.K.O.
J. H. S. WHYTE M.D., D.P.M.
Dr. J. H. S. Whyte, consultant psychiatrist at Middlewood Hospital, Sheffield, died on 5 January. He was 56.
James Harvey Strachan Whyte was born at Aberdeen on 1 August 1918 and educated at Robert Gordon's College and Aberdeen
University, where he graduated M.B., Ch.B. in 1941. He took the D.P.M. in 1950 and proceeded M.D. in 1954. He was a founder meniber of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. After house appointments at Aberdeen Royal Infinmary he became an assistant physician in venereology before specializing in psychiatry. He was assistant psychiatrist at St. Augustine's Hospital, Chart1ham Down, Kent, until 1956, when -he was appointed consultant psychiatrist at Sheffield. He soon established himself as an unusually oompotent clinician and was responsible for organizing and running the newly opened acute admission wards, where he tacikled a prodigious amount of work with enthusiasm.
BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
45
5 APRIL 1975
He had a special interest in forensic psychiatry and was in considerable demand as an expert witness in the law courts. By his many G.P. friendis Jinuy will be affectionately remembered as a practical psychiatrist who could always be relied upon. His other interests included photography, fishing, and golf. An active playing member of many cricket clubs, he toured Hampshire with the Sheffield Doctors' Cricket Team for. the last 17 .years, and he was also a memiber of the London Cricket Club. His sudden and 'untimely death leaves a profound sense of shock and much sadness in a wide circle. of friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and two sons.-D.A.K., K.J.
E. F. DEACON L.M.S.S .A.
Dr. Frank Deacon, who was in general practice at Hull for many years, died on 7 Feb,ruary. He was 79. Edwin Frank Deacon was born on 27 February 1895 and qualified at Guy's Hospital in 1917.. He then served for two years as a surgeon lieutenant in the Royal Navy, seeing active service in the' Mediterranean. In 1921 he settled in practice at Hull. He was particularly interested in the care of the mentally handicapped and was medical officer to Tilworth Grange Hospital from the time of 'its opening. until his retirement in 1968. He served as a member of, the panel committee :and .joined the local medical committee on its inception, From 1948' till 1968 he served on .the Hull (B) hospital management comnmittee. He joined the Territorial Army in 1937 and was caliled up in 1939, serving in' France -and being evacuated thfrough Dunkirk in 1940. He continued to ,serve in the. Army until .1944, when he. was demobilized. to resume his work in general practice. For many years he worked on medical boards for the armed Forces. During his 'long years in practice Dr. Deacon was a well-respected colleague and a popular family practitioner. His wife died less than a year ago and he is survived by his three sons, all of whom are also graduates of 'Guy's, and by his two
daughters.-I.D.I.
D. D. CRAIG M.C., M.A., B.SC.. M.B., CH.B.
Dr. D. Duncan Craig, who for many years was -in general 'practice in Ghelsea, London, died'on. 12 March. He was 91. David' Duncan Craig was born on 20 October 1883 and graduated in medicine from Edinburgh University in 1908. After locum and hospital apPOintments he volunteered at the outbreak of the first world war and served as a doctor in the Army, being awarded the Military Cross and bar. He was severely wounded at the battle of the Somme, but continued to serve in the Army until he was demobilized in 1919. Returning to Chelsea, he entered general practice in 1921 and remained in active practice there till just before his death. Dr. Craig was a keen historian and con-
tinued golfing and swimniing into his 90th
year. He was an active member of Chelsea Rotary Club and his interest in life never varied, even in the face of his final illness. We mourn the passing of an exemplary doctor. He is survived by his wife and son, who joined him in the practice.-D.T.
J. E. HOWELL M.B., CH.B.
Dr. J. E. Howell, who was formerly in general practice at Middlesbrough, died on 15 March. He was 72. John Edward Howell was born at Middlesbrough in 1902 and educated at Merchiston Castle and Edinburgh University, where he graduated in medicine in 1925. After working for a year as a house surgeon at North Ormesby Hospital, Middlesbrough, he joined his father in practice and was appointed honorary anaesthetist to North Ormesby Hospital two years later, remaining on the staff in the capacity until 1967. He was the first officer to be gazetted to 608 Squadron A.A.F., Thornaby, and served in the R.A.F. throughout the second world war. Honorary secretary of the Cleveland Division of the B.M.A. from 1928 to 1933, he was chairman of the Cleveland and Middlesbrough Division from 1961 to 1967 and also chairman of the Middlesbrough Local Medical Committee. John Howell, was a practitioner of the old school, dignified, courageous, and a man of principle. He was compassionate and had a great sense of humour. During the terminal stages of his illness his fortitude was an example to all who knew him.-G.S.L.
W. H. J. WESTON
visitor. He had many Persian friends in all ranks of life and spoke their language fluently. In 1961 he was honoured with the award of the Iranian Neshane Homayoon. He retired in 1968 but was retained as a consultant. Dr. Weston played rugby for the North of England Public Schools, for Rosslyn Park, and for Surrey. In later years he was a keen fly fisherman. He will be sadly missed.-
J.G.W.
HASSAN OMAR M.B., CH.B., D.T.M.
Dr. Hassan Omar, registrar in geriatric medicine at Ystrad Mynach Hospital, Glamorgan, died suddenly on 30 January while on duty at the hospital. He was 56. Hassan Omar graduated M.B., Ch.B. at Cairo in 1949 and went to London in 1950, where he studied for the diploma in tropical medicine. After periods of study in three hospitals he returned to Egypt and entered the Egyptian Army Medical Service. He reached the rank of brigadier and was active in the conduct of drug trials in schistosomiasis. In 1969 he was appointed to a senior house officer post in geriatric medicine at Greenwich Hospital, holding the appointment for two years. After a period in Northamptonshire he went to South Wales in 1973 and served at Ystrad Mvnach Hospital until his death. A quiet, reserved, and charming man, he read extensively and had a wide general medical knowledge. His sudden death came as a shock to all who worked with him, and there are many patients in the Rhymney Valley health district who will look back to Hassan Omar with thankfulness and affection. He is survived by his wife.-R.F.G-E.
B.SC., M.B., B.S., F.R.C.S.
Dr. W. H. J. Weston, medical consultant to Iranian Oil Services, died on 8 March. He was 71. William Harry Jayne Weston was born at Liverpool on 28 November 1903 and educated at Merchant Taylors' School, Crosby. Graduating in science in 1925, he spent nearly eight years as a schoolmaster at Pangbourne and Windsor. At the age of 30 he took up medicine and qualified at St. George's Hospital, London, in 1940. After house appointments he joined the R.A.M.C. and became a surgical specialist with the rank of major, serving in India and Burma. When the second world war ended he took a post at the Prince of Wales's Hospital, Tottenham, and then in 1947 joined the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company and went to Iran as surgeon in dharge of the hospital at Musjid-il-suleiman, later becoming senior medical officer to the oilfields in Iran. In 1952, when the oilfields were nationalized, he returned to England and served again as a surgeon in the R.A.M.C. at Chester till he went to an arduous period of service at Qatar in the Persian Gulf. When Iranian Oil Services began operations in Persia in 1954 he was sent to reorganize the medical services but was struck down by a oranary thrombosis and advised to give up surgery. He was then appointed chief medical officer in London of Iranian Oil Services, undertaking visits to the U.S.A., Holland, and Persia, where he was always a welcome
J. G. BILLINGTON M.A., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.
Dr. J. G. Billington, who practised geriatrics at Exe Vale Hospital, Exminster, died on 28
February. He was 67. John Gresty Billington was born at Birmingham on 31 May 1907 and educated at Uppingham; Trinity College, Cambridge; and St. Thomas's Hospital, where he qualified in 1932. After resident posts he went to West China as a missionary and worked at Mienchu Hospital, Szechwan. He then gained further hospital experience at Birmingham before joining the General Electric Company at Witton as an industrial medical officer, adding Red Cross and Home Guard activities to his responsibilities during the war years. In 1953 he took up geriatrics at Surnmerfield Hospital, Birmingham, but in 1963 worked again for several months as a medical missionary, takling the place of a missionary doctor in Tanzania who needed home leave. Thereafter he continued with geriatric work at Exe Vale Hospital. He was on duty up to the eveninig before he died. Gresty Bi1llington read widely and could talk on almost any subject. HIis quiet friendliness and thoughtfulness for others stemmed from the sincere Christian faith which was the mainspring of his life. He was not
manied.-W.R.B.
44 44
BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
5 APRIL 1975
5 APRIL 1975
OBITUARY NOTICES
A. R. TAYLOR M.D., F.R.C.P.
Dr. Brian Taylor, honorary consulting physician to the United Birmingham Hospitals, died at Melbourne, Australia, on 10 March. He was 69. Alfred Brian Taylor was born on 10 March 1906, -the son of a London surgeon. He graduated in medicine with honours in 1928, proceeded M.D. and M.R.C.P. in 1931, and was elected in
F.R.C.P.
After
1944.
appoint-
junior ments
Bir-
at
mingham General Hospital he filled
mnore
senior posts
Brompton
at
Hospiltal, he came the
and
where
under
influence
Tudor
of
Ed-
wards. This determnined his lifelong devotion to chest diseases while he remained an excellent general physician. In 1934 he was elected to the consultant staff of Queen's Hospital, Birmingham, which he was to serve with great distinction first in its original form and from 1938 to 1972 in Queen Elizabeth Hospital. On retirement from the active staff he was appointed honorary consulting physician. Like so many young physicians of that time, he contracted pulmonary tuberculosis, which necessitated a
stay at Midhurst and was the start of a
long connexion as an honorary consulting physician to that hospital. The guiding principle of Brian's life was "service before self." He was often to be seen
in his wards at weekends
or
in the
evening. In 1967 he became a member of the General Nursing Council. He was also a devoted menber of the Thoracic Society and its president in 1964. For many years he was the mainspring of the Birmingham Medical Institute, first as its librarian and since 1960 as its president. He contributed many papers on a wide range of subjects
physician to the children's department, Charing Cross Hospital, and physician to the Sun Life Assurance Society, died on 7 December. He was 89. Richard Robins Armstrong was born on 28 September 1885 and in 1907 gained firstclass honours in the natural sciences tripois at Cambridge and admission to St. Bartholomew's Hospital with the Shuter scholarship. Af,ter qualification in 1909, house appointments at Barts and at the Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ornond Street, and becoming Lawrence research scholar and gold medallist and Ernest Hart memorial scholar, he was admitted M.R.C.P. in 1914. Later that year he fought in France and Belgium as a private in the H.A.C. and was not commissioned in the R.A.MJC. until 1915. After service in Gallipoli, he returned home to study the epidemiology of cerebrospinal meningitis, later being posted to an Indian general hospital at Basra as bacteriologist and physician in charge of infectious diseases. On demobilization in 1919 he 'became casualty physician and demonstrator in pathology at Barts and physician to the children's department at Charing Cross Hospital, resigning the latter appointment in 1921. In that same year he was appointed physician to the Sun Life Assurance Society. Though this was his main professional interest for nearly 40 years, his bacteriological research was pursued until 1934, gaining him jointly the Katherine Bishop Harman prize of the B.M.A. in 1930 and the Nichols prize of the Royal Society of Medicine in 1931. In the meantime he had proceeded M.D. in 1920 and was elected F.R.C.P. in 1926. Because of his professional reputation and influence he persuaded the actuaries to grant increasingly generous insurance terms to those who had hitherto been stigmatized as "substandard lives." On the introduction of insulin he was the first to recommend special terms for diabetics, and he devised an empirical scale of progressive extrapremiums for hypertensives. He was a generous host, a good friend, and a bon viveur who loved France and drove a French car with characteristic panache. He had a wonderful collection of butterflies, and for many years bred exhibition fantail pigeons, being particularly proud of his apponitmnent as secretary of the Fantail Club. He is survived by his wife.- H.L'E.
and in 1965 gave the Tudor Edwards lecture before the Royal- College of Physicians. Brian and his charming wife Marjorie dispensed the warmest hospitality in their lovely house. He was an accomnplished angler and many a fine salmon was pulled by him from Wye and Usk. Of Quaker R. J. KERNOHAN stock, he was a faithful menber of the Society of Friends. He is survived by his M.D., F.R.C.P., F.R.C.P.I.,
wife, daughter, and son, who is also doctor.-W.M.A.
a
D.P.H., D.C.H.
Dr. R. J. Kernohan, consultant physician to the Waveney and Massereene hospitals, County Antrin, died suddenly on 5 February. He was 55. R. R. ARMSTRONG Robert James Kernohan was born at F.R.C.P. M.D., Ballymena, County Antrim, on 22 February Dr. R. R. Armstrong, formerly casualty 1919 and educated at the Royal Belfast Acphysician to St. Bartholomews Hospital, ademical Institution and Queen's University,
Belfast, graduating in medicine with firstclass honours in 1941. After a house appointment he served in the R.A.M.C. until the end of the second world war. He then returned to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, proceeded M.D. in 1947, and in 1949 was appointed consultant physician to the Waveney and Massereene hospitals. In 1958 he was elected F.R.C.P.I. and in 1973 F.R.C.P. London. He was an examiner in medicine at Queen's University, senior examiner at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, and a junior censor of the college. He took a major part in postgraduate teaching and was responsible for the establishment and running of the postgraduate centre at Waveney Hospital. Last November he was elected president of the Irish Cardiological Society. Dr. Kernohan's great interest was in the coronary care of patients, with 'the establishment about 10 years ago of the cardiac amnbulance, which was fitted out for the treatment of coronary patients before admission to hospital. He was responsible for the reconstruction and equipment of a cardiac unit at the Waveney, and for a new enlarged and up-to-date unit which is nearing completion. A prodigious reader, he conversed easily on philosophy and theology. He was a magistrate, a Freemason, and a member of the kirk session of his church, and was highly respected by his colleagues. Many former patients of his have shown their gratitude by helping to raise money for the erection of the new candiac unit. Dr. Kernohan will be sadly missed. He is survived by his wife, three sons, and two daughters. One of his sons is a doctor and another a veterinary surgeon, and one of his daughters will be taking the final M.D. next year.-C.J.K.O.
J. H. S. WHYTE M.D., D.P.M.
Dr. J. H. S. Whyte, consultant psychiatrist at Middlewood Hospital, Sheffield, died on 5 January. He was 56.
James Harvey Strachan Whyte was born at Aberdeen on 1 August 1918 and educated at Robert Gordon's College and Aberdeen
University, where he graduated M.B., Ch.B. in 1941. He took the D.P.M. in 1950 and proceeded M.D. in 1954. He was a founder meniber of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. After house appointments at Aberdeen Royal Infinmary he became an assistant physician in venereology before specializing in psychiatry. He was assistant psychiatrist at St. Augustine's Hospital, Chart1ham Down, Kent, until 1956, when -he was appointed consultant psychiatrist at Sheffield. He soon established himself as an unusually oompotent clinician and was responsible for organizing and running the newly opened acute admission wards, where he tacikled a prodigious amount of work with enthusiasm.
BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
45
5 APRIL 1975
He had a special interest in forensic psychiatry and was in considerable demand as an expert witness in the law courts. By his many G.P. friendis Jinuy will be affectionately remembered as a practical psychiatrist who could always be relied upon. His other interests included photography, fishing, and golf. An active playing member of many cricket clubs, he toured Hampshire with the Sheffield Doctors' Cricket Team for. the last 17 .years, and he was also a memiber of the London Cricket Club. His sudden and 'untimely death leaves a profound sense of shock and much sadness in a wide circle. of friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and two sons.-D.A.K., K.J.
E. F. DEACON L.M.S.S .A.
Dr. Frank Deacon, who was in general practice at Hull for many years, died on 7 Feb,ruary. He was 79. Edwin Frank Deacon was born on 27 February 1895 and qualified at Guy's Hospital in 1917.. He then served for two years as a surgeon lieutenant in the Royal Navy, seeing active service in the' Mediterranean. In 1921 he settled in practice at Hull. He was particularly interested in the care of the mentally handicapped and was medical officer to Tilworth Grange Hospital from the time of 'its opening. until his retirement in 1968. He served as a member of, the panel committee :and .joined the local medical committee on its inception, From 1948' till 1968 he served on .the Hull (B) hospital management comnmittee. He joined the Territorial Army in 1937 and was caliled up in 1939, serving in' France -and being evacuated thfrough Dunkirk in 1940. He continued to ,serve in the. Army until .1944, when he. was demobilized. to resume his work in general practice. For many years he worked on medical boards for the armed Forces. During his 'long years in practice Dr. Deacon was a well-respected colleague and a popular family practitioner. His wife died less than a year ago and he is survived by his three sons, all of whom are also graduates of 'Guy's, and by his two
daughters.-I.D.I.
D. D. CRAIG M.C., M.A., B.SC.. M.B., CH.B.
Dr. D. Duncan Craig, who for many years was -in general 'practice in Ghelsea, London, died'on. 12 March. He was 91. David' Duncan Craig was born on 20 October 1883 and graduated in medicine from Edinburgh University in 1908. After locum and hospital apPOintments he volunteered at the outbreak of the first world war and served as a doctor in the Army, being awarded the Military Cross and bar. He was severely wounded at the battle of the Somme, but continued to serve in the Army until he was demobilized in 1919. Returning to Chelsea, he entered general practice in 1921 and remained in active practice there till just before his death. Dr. Craig was a keen historian and con-
tinued golfing and swimniing into his 90th
year. He was an active member of Chelsea Rotary Club and his interest in life never varied, even in the face of his final illness. We mourn the passing of an exemplary doctor. He is survived by his wife and son, who joined him in the practice.-D.T.
J. E. HOWELL M.B., CH.B.
Dr. J. E. Howell, who was formerly in general practice at Middlesbrough, died on 15 March. He was 72. John Edward Howell was born at Middlesbrough in 1902 and educated at Merchiston Castle and Edinburgh University, where he graduated in medicine in 1925. After working for a year as a house surgeon at North Ormesby Hospital, Middlesbrough, he joined his father in practice and was appointed honorary anaesthetist to North Ormesby Hospital two years later, remaining on the staff in the capacity until 1967. He was the first officer to be gazetted to 608 Squadron A.A.F., Thornaby, and served in the R.A.F. throughout the second world war. Honorary secretary of the Cleveland Division of the B.M.A. from 1928 to 1933, he was chairman of the Cleveland and Middlesbrough Division from 1961 to 1967 and also chairman of the Middlesbrough Local Medical Committee. John Howell, was a practitioner of the old school, dignified, courageous, and a man of principle. He was compassionate and had a great sense of humour. During the terminal stages of his illness his fortitude was an example to all who knew him.-G.S.L.
W. H. J. WESTON
visitor. He had many Persian friends in all ranks of life and spoke their language fluently. In 1961 he was honoured with the award of the Iranian Neshane Homayoon. He retired in 1968 but was retained as a consultant. Dr. Weston played rugby for the North of England Public Schools, for Rosslyn Park, and for Surrey. In later years he was a keen fly fisherman. He will be sadly missed.-
J.G.W.
HASSAN OMAR M.B., CH.B., D.T.M.
Dr. Hassan Omar, registrar in geriatric medicine at Ystrad Mynach Hospital, Glamorgan, died suddenly on 30 January while on duty at the hospital. He was 56. Hassan Omar graduated M.B., Ch.B. at Cairo in 1949 and went to London in 1950, where he studied for the diploma in tropical medicine. After periods of study in three hospitals he returned to Egypt and entered the Egyptian Army Medical Service. He reached the rank of brigadier and was active in the conduct of drug trials in schistosomiasis. In 1969 he was appointed to a senior house officer post in geriatric medicine at Greenwich Hospital, holding the appointment for two years. After a period in Northamptonshire he went to South Wales in 1973 and served at Ystrad Mvnach Hospital until his death. A quiet, reserved, and charming man, he read extensively and had a wide general medical knowledge. His sudden death came as a shock to all who worked with him, and there are many patients in the Rhymney Valley health district who will look back to Hassan Omar with thankfulness and affection. He is survived by his wife.-R.F.G-E.
B.SC., M.B., B.S., F.R.C.S.
Dr. W. H. J. Weston, medical consultant to Iranian Oil Services, died on 8 March. He was 71. William Harry Jayne Weston was born at Liverpool on 28 November 1903 and educated at Merchant Taylors' School, Crosby. Graduating in science in 1925, he spent nearly eight years as a schoolmaster at Pangbourne and Windsor. At the age of 30 he took up medicine and qualified at St. George's Hospital, London, in 1940. After house appointments he joined the R.A.M.C. and became a surgical specialist with the rank of major, serving in India and Burma. When the second world war ended he took a post at the Prince of Wales's Hospital, Tottenham, and then in 1947 joined the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company and went to Iran as surgeon in dharge of the hospital at Musjid-il-suleiman, later becoming senior medical officer to the oilfields in Iran. In 1952, when the oilfields were nationalized, he returned to England and served again as a surgeon in the R.A.M.C. at Chester till he went to an arduous period of service at Qatar in the Persian Gulf. When Iranian Oil Services began operations in Persia in 1954 he was sent to reorganize the medical services but was struck down by a oranary thrombosis and advised to give up surgery. He was then appointed chief medical officer in London of Iranian Oil Services, undertaking visits to the U.S.A., Holland, and Persia, where he was always a welcome
J. G. BILLINGTON M.A., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.
Dr. J. G. Billington, who practised geriatrics at Exe Vale Hospital, Exminster, died on 28
February. He was 67. John Gresty Billington was born at Birmingham on 31 May 1907 and educated at Uppingham; Trinity College, Cambridge; and St. Thomas's Hospital, where he qualified in 1932. After resident posts he went to West China as a missionary and worked at Mienchu Hospital, Szechwan. He then gained further hospital experience at Birmingham before joining the General Electric Company at Witton as an industrial medical officer, adding Red Cross and Home Guard activities to his responsibilities during the war years. In 1953 he took up geriatrics at Surnmerfield Hospital, Birmingham, but in 1963 worked again for several months as a medical missionary, takling the place of a missionary doctor in Tanzania who needed home leave. Thereafter he continued with geriatric work at Exe Vale Hospital. He was on duty up to the eveninig before he died. Gresty Bi1llington read widely and could talk on almost any subject. HIis quiet friendliness and thoughtfulness for others stemmed from the sincere Christian faith which was the mainspring of his life. He was not
manied.-W.R.B.
