OBITUARIES

Tony Garwood: 6 March 1950 - 1 September 2014

We are sad to record the passing of Dr Tony Garwood on 1 September 2014, after a long illness.

Although Tony has not been in practice as a Maxillofacial and Oral Surgeon for some time, and was no longer a member of our society at the time of his death, he is remembered fondly by many colleagues and friends in our speciality.

The following piece was written by his close friend and colleague, Dr Paul Bischoff, who is living and working in the UK at present. Paul spent time with Tony in Johannesburg shortly before he died.

With the passing of Tony Garwood we lost a fine colleague and a great friend. Those who knew Tony will be as saddened as I at the loss of this special person.

Tony was born in Johannesburg in March 1950 where he attended St Johns College. He took part in Rugby, Athletics and also music. He began his studies at Wits in 1969 where we first met, thus starting a friendship which has lasted almost half a century. A desire to become a Maxillo-facial surgeon came to fruition in 1983, whereafter the Garwood family settled in East London. Private practice and a part-time post in the Provincial Hospital kept Tony busy until ill-health curtailed both his professional activities as well as his love of golf and photography. An interlude in the Bushveld was short lived due to the disastrous floods of 2000 which saw the family enterprise washed away.

Tony was able to keep active through a managerial position in Life HealthCare Hospital in Johannesburg but the advance of his multiple medical conditions finally put paid to his career. A man of few vices, Tony had many loves, the pinnacle of which was his love for his family. I was continually regaled with tales of the antics of his beloved grand-daughter. A second grandchild born only a few months before his passing was again a source of great pride. Tony would have loved to see her grow into a young lady too, but this is not to be.

We often read the term "illness bravely borne": in the case of Tony Garwood nothing could be more accurate. He endured so much, yet complained very little during the last few weeks of his life. His greeting was always "I'm still hanging in there!" and hang in he did. I feel honoured to be able to call him friend.

To his wife, Russel, and to the family, Christine, Dennis, Ed and the grandchildren we offer our condolences.

Paul Bischoff