Gifted Gp Leaves Big Gap

Newcastle Herald

Monday February 11, 2008

Jane Parsons

This gentle, down-to-earth man was distressed about leaving Morpeth without a doctor, writes Jane Parsons.

OBITUARY

DAVID ROBERTS-THOMSON

Born: August 13, 1938

Died: January 30, 2008

Funeral: St Peter's Anglican Church, East Maitland, on February 7.

DAVID Roberts-Thomson's lifetime of kindness and good deeds never left him even in his final days.

The much-loved Morpeth general practitioner was not just concerned, but actively sought a replacement for his Close Street practice when ill health forced his sudden retirement.

Dr Roberts-Thomson, 69, who died on January 30, just three months after being diagnosed with a melanoma, was described by a close family friend and colleague as a "gifted GP with a deep understanding of people and their problems".

"He was a delightful character in humour," the friend said.

His wife Sally, who worked side by side with him as office manager for 15 of the 34 years he was in practice, said he was "very concerned" about the situation in Morpeth as Maitland's doctor shortage reaches crisis point.

"He was really quite distressed about it at the end and would have loved to know there was someone stepping in," Mrs Roberts-Thomson said. "He had been trying for three years, but it was impossible. The town is now without a doctor.

"He always believed they should train more doctors and so he took in students from Newcastle, NSW and Sydney universities at the practice. He always encouraged people and was a great teacher."

Dr Roberts-Thomson worked as a specialist anaesthetist when he and his young family moved to Morpeth to set up practice in 1973. In 1998 he was honoured by being named the Hunter Urban division of general practice's GP of the Year.

English born to Australian parents, his younger years were spent in Tasmania, Victoria and New Zealand, where he studied pharmacy, before moving to Sydney to study medicine at Sydney University.

"What he loved most about working in this practice was the family aspect," Mrs Roberts-Thomson said.

"He loved delivering the babies and then seeing the whole family grow up.

"He worked long days from 8am to 7pm and sometimes seven days a week, but it became a little easier when Maitland Hospital opened its GP access after-hours program six years ago. He was always there for everyone. He was gentle and down to earth.

"He did not discriminate between rich or poor. He treated everyone the same and with respect.

"He loved classical music, art, was an avid sports fan and was deeply spiritual. He planned to take art classes in his retirement."

An active Rotarian for 20 years, Dr Roberts-Thomson also helped raise money for Vision Australia through his wife's involvement in the Maitland Black and White Committee.

He was a counsellor with Rotary's exchange student program and the family had hosted 13 students, all of whom continued to keep in touch with the family.

About 700 mourners packed St Peter's Anglican Church, East Maitland, to overflowing last Thursday for his funeral service.

He is survived by his wife Sally, daughters Sarah and Emily, son Andrew and three grandchildren.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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