By Christopher Morrison
Bill and I were exact contemporaries in Forest and shared the same study in the final year. Indeed, it was the sight of Gray’s Anatomy open on Bill’s desk which convinced me that medicine was not my calling.
Bill died on 27 November 2023 aged 76. His friends remember him primarily for his overriding kindness, gentleness and thoughtfulness, traits not necessarily in evidence in a public school of the 1960s. His primary sport was tennis and he captained the First VI.
Bill, whose cousin, John Bevington, was in Wilson at the same time, had a delightfully dry sense of humour, and his pertinent observations on school life in general, and the House culture in particular, were a delight. I remember him as a quietly competent boy, totally at ease with himself, who seemed happiest when tinkering with something to make or mend. A memorable example of his engineering skills was to make automatic rotating number plates for his father’s car; all very James Bond! In later life his workshop was a delight to behold for any frustrated DIYers.
Bill subsequently qualified at the Middlesex and went into general practice in Loddon, Norfolk. His professional life was a masterclass in studied application to his discipline, combined with a gentleness of spirit which he exhibited to his patients, and which was remarked on by all who were under his care. As one said: “He actually listened.”
Bill practised initially in Norfolk with his first wife, Jane, a physiotherapist, and family, and subsequently in Woodbridge Hill, Guildford, with his second wife, Mary, also a GP. Professionally and academically, he achieved much. He wrote an excellent book, still in use, to introduce young doctors to the art of consultation, and he gained early fellowship of the Royal College of GPs. He went on to serve variously as an examiner on the advisory committee and on the membership committee and was Associate Dean covering GP training across West Surrey. His example inspired many GPs to achieve fellowship of the RCGP.
His calm, patient mentoring style was replicated in his sailing activities. He owned a number of boats, the first of which he built himself, sailing them across the North Sea or round Ireland or up to the Western Isles. Each trip was meticulously planned and safely executed, with nothing left to chance.
Bill leaves his wife, Mary, herself a doctor of some repute, two children from his first marriage, two stepchildren and eight beloved grandchildren.
Bill was well loved for his kindness, generosity of spirit, and positive attitude. He was a loyal friend who made the most of every moment and took every opportunity to experience new things.
As his son, Adam, touchingly said: “His life was a testament to living fully, loving deeply, and laughing heartily.”
