Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Kapiti Coast Funeral Home Ltd

9 Hinemoa St

Paraparaumu, Wellington

William GILLESPIE Obituary

OBE, TD (MBChB, FRCSEd, FRACS, MS, FRCP) Died peacefully on Friday, November 8, 2024; aged 84 years, at Millvale Lodge Lindale, Paraparaumu. Bill, much loved husband of Lesley, father to Peter and Ian, grandad to Maddie, Aidan, Dot and Sandy. Born in Stirling, Scotland in 1940. Former pupil of George Watson's College for Boys, Edinburgh. Studied medicine at Edinburgh University. A former Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Christchurch School of Medicine of the University of Otago; former Foundation Chair in Orthopaedic Surgery, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; former Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Edinburgh; former Dean, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago; and Founding Dean, Hull York Medical School in the United Kingdom. Surgeon, researcher, teacher, passionate advocate for equity in medicine, and proponent of patient centred care. A very enthusiastic walker, lover of classical music, voracious reader and lifelong acquirer of knowledge in all its forms. Sincere thanks to the caring staff of Millvale Lodge. A private cremation has taken place.


Published by The Press on Nov. 16, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for William GILLESPIE

Not sure what to say?





8 Entries

Russell Tregonning

November 26, 2024

Bill had a hugely positive effect on my career. At Middlemore, as my immediate senior, he taught me much. At Wellington Hospital he encouraged me and others to foster their subspecialty interests - mine to set up a knee injuries clinic. He was my mentor and a true friend.
My sympathy to Lesley, Peter, Ian and their whenua.
Russell Tregonning.

Alastair Rothwell

November 23, 2024

Dear Lesley, Mavis and I were greatly saddened to learn of Bill's recent death, our deepest sympathies are with you and your family.
I first meet Bill at the Edinburgh hand course in 1973 and had no idea that we would become colleagues some years later in Christchurch.
In 1982 I joined Bill as his senior lecturer in the newly established Department of Orthopaedic surgery Christchurch School of Medicine and not only greatly enjoyed working with him but also learned so much which was so valuable when I succeeded him in 1989.
Bill had a great vision for the Department and never shied away from taking on the entrenched university and hospital establishments to achieve his goals. As you know Bill did not suffer fools gladly and seeing in full flight was a sight never to be forgotten. He didn't win all his battles but certainly achieved an enormous amount during his time in Christchurch. Among his achievements were; separating both the university and clinical deparments from general surgery with both becoming stand alone, obtaining recognition of MSM as a specialty in its own right and attaching it the Department which became the Dept of OS and MSM, very novel at that time, development of the Dip of MSM, comprehensive UG and PG teaching programs,
Implementing research programmes, separation of acute and elective orthopaedics which was especially far sighted. These are just some of Bills achievements resulting well established well functioning departments for when I succeeded him in 1989.
I was always impressed by Bill's industry, intellect, determination, advocacy for evidence based medicine, compassion and dry humour.
I will always be immensely grateful for what I learned from Bill.
Kind regards Alastair Rothwell

Gwen and Chris Bossley

November 22, 2024

Leslie we are thinking of you and the times we spent together here and in Scotland. Bill was always a great example to me although we were the same age his accomplishments always seemed greater. Best wishes

Brett Krause

November 22, 2024

Very fond memories of your time at Wellington Clinical School as Senior Lecturer. A inspirational mentor and an excellent 'face' of Orthopaedics Surgery. Ground breaker in the speciality in many ways.
Many thanks, Bill.

Sam Xu

November 20, 2024

With memories of your times in the Hertford building of HYMS.
RIP

Leigh Hooper

November 19, 2024

We are so sorry to hear of Bill´s departure he will always be well remembered by all the Christchurch whanau. Lesley we are trying to find your email address. Love Leigh Hooper

Lesley Gillespie

November 17, 2024

Happy memories of our 50th wedding anniversary in 2020 when we were joined by friends and family members.

Andrew Gin

November 16, 2024

Some people are born to teach...
Thanks Prof
RIP

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Memorial Events
for William GILLESPIE

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Kapiti Coast Funeral Home Ltd

9 Hinemoa St, Paraparaumu 5254