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Gentlemen
It is my sad duty to inform you that our old friend ‘Jock’ Anderson passed away yesterday (03/02/2016), after contracting a chest infection at the beginning of the week. I spoke to Marie this morning.
As most of you would know, John was diagnosed with rapid onset memory loss 4 or 5 years ago. This was so difficult to accept given John’s incredible intellectual capacity in the field of medicine, especially on cardiovascular disease and corrective surgery. He travelled the world teaching and sharing his knowledge in this field.....and, he always kept himself physically fit.
John and Marie shifted house 4 years ago to a residence next door to their youngest son in Adelaide, in order to share the responsibilities associated with caring for John.
John and Marie loved our class re-unions. The last one they came to was in NZ, 2009. Marie said that John knew our most recent one was on just over a year ago, as he mentioned it to her, saying “I don’t think we can make it.” So, he was still looking at e-mails.
We can be confident that our friendship and experiences at RMC played a small part in John’s tremendous successes in life.
‘Farewell John.’ (Rod Usback)
John (whom I knew as “Jock” of course in 4th Class) and I became quite close in 1961; in fact I would go so far as to say that he was my best mate at RMC.
We shared many fun times together and had quite a few “adventures” in the pubs of Canberra.
I remember him as a thoughtful, intelligent, quiet man of a very gentle disposition. Good company always.
When I heard that he had become a leading vascular surgeon, I was not surprised. It seemed that such an occupation fitted him superbly.
Our last meeting was in Wellington, 2009. We spoke at some length over some of the times we had had at RMC. At some point in those discussions, I sensed that he had withdrawn a little from the younger man that I had known; he was somewhat distant, I was not sure why.
I met Marie in 1994 and 2009, a lovely lady and a good match for Jock. My sympathies to her.
I was unable to attend our re-union at RMC in 2014, due the prolonged illness and passing (26 Dec 2014) of my wife Maria, but look forward to the next event.
(Brian Turnbull)
John and I were in very proximate rooms during fourth class, so I became very familiar with his quietly spoken but sometimes acerbic wit. He was indeed a friend. (Ray Fardell)
Jock was certainly one of the characters in the class who excelled in his chosen profession. (Trevor McComish)
Yes, sad indeed. I can't find the words, except to thank you for passing on the news.
I think of us all, often. (Chris Limbrick)
Jock epitomised the true “Scholar and Gentleman “His contributions in his chosen field will long be remembered but sadly missed. (Peter Roper)
Very sorry to learn of Jock’s passing. He was a great character and obviously a great loss to the medical profession. (Ross Bishop)
Two images of Jock Anderson. The raid on Fairbairn, in 1962 (?). Jock is striding purposefully towards the target, cradling his weapon, helmet pulled down over his eyes. The very image of a professional taking his learning opportunities – his duties – seriously - in total contrast to my own flippant and irresponsible approach. Then the last reunion he attended, in 2004. I shared a table with Jock and Marie at the dinner. They recounted, with much amusement and exchanges of loving glances, his practice of reporting back to her when he landed after each of his light aeroplane jaunts (he had a private flying license) that "the turkey has landed". (It became one of my own pet phrases and I now use it routinely to tell Judy that I have arrived at the destination. It will now have additional significance for me.)
The prevailing impressions: a serious yet light-hearted approach to life, a loving relationship. No wonder he was so successful in the profession he chose when he left Duntroon. No wonder he had such a full and well-lived life. (Nick Jans)
Although I knew John for only 18 months I still have very fond memories of him. I remember being seated next to Marie at the first re-union they attended in Canberra. Partners were seated apart at the dinner and I asked Marie who her partner was. She pointed to John and said his name. She was surprised when I told her I knew him as ‘Jock’ – she had not heard him called that. (Bob Ivey)
Jock and I would spend many an hour, him trying to explain to a Kiwi the finer points of Aussie Rules and me the finer points of Rugby. We both never succeeded. However it was the story he told me in Wellington and one which I repeated to friends many times. He said one of his colleagues asked him if he would review a delicate operation that had to be performed on a very important patient. Jock duly did the review and the patient commented to him that his face was familiar. Jock no doubt in his canny way said “yes the last time you saw me was when you gave me my marching orders”. He said the patient went quite white and immediately viewed down below to see that all his parts were intact. You all know who the patient was.
Keep well everyone. More important now than ever before. (Brian Devlin)
I also remember Bob's comment about Marie not being aware of 'Jock'.
And Bonnie and I remember too Jock's story of meeting the errant commandant on the operating table after he had a heart attack, and saying to him, "Do you remember me?" I'm not sure if he Jock added, I will do my best, but it made a very good dinner story. (Ross Hobbs)
I always remember a gentle 'Bear of a Man'. (Peter Thomas)
I will always remember him as a genuine and kind hearted person. May he rest in peace. (Barrie Smith)
I have brief but good memories of Jock, and it is such a sad thing to loose such a valued medico when there was an expectation he would be a man of great value for many more years. (John Renshaw)
So sad and always difficult to know what more one can say other than remember the good times. (Peter Nelson)
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