1940-2022

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Richard Lorton Liversedge passed away on 19 January 2022. Always known to family and friends as Dick, we are saddened by his loss. Dick was born 31 August 1940 in Cockermouth and was educated at Tonbridge school. His dental studies were at the Royal London Hospital, and he later qualified in medicine again at the same hospital. It was from there he commenced his career as a maxillofacial surgeon. It was also at the London that he met his future wife, Jenny. Dick held consultancy posts in both Edgware and Barnet General Hospitals and also at the Middlesex Hospital in Central London until its closure. He won the Norman Rowe clinical prize awarded by the BAOMS in 1974. To all who knew him, or worked with him or for him, he was always a very decent human being. Patient care was always at the forefront of his work, and it was his raison d'etre. His outpatient clinics would often run late, for a special reason. If a practitioner called and requested an urgent consultant opinion, the patient was always to be seen at the next clinic. There was no such thing as send a letter for assessment before an appointment would be given. Many patients owe him a debt of gratitude for his care and concern. For junior staff, it was all about learning and gaining experience, and Dick was an excellent mentor. He always encouraged staff to pursue a research project if they found one. He was postgraduate tutor for many years. Dick retired at the age of 71 with the advent of the CQC; the level of impending bureaucracy was not for him - clinical practice was what he trained for. Dick had a special interest outside of work - the luge. He represented the United Kingdom in three Winter Olympics: 1968 at Grenoble, 1972 at Sapporo and 1976 at Innsbruck. He later served as British representative for the International Luge Medical Commission, with special regard to doping control. In retirement, he was able to spend more time with his children and grandchildren, as well as pursue other interests, notably metalwork. When he received the diagnosis of atypical pulmonary fibrosis, it was met with good grace and an acceptance of having had a good life. Our condolences are extended to Jenny, Dominic, Annabel and Belinda, and their families.

Harold Kandler