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
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