FORUM
IN MEMORIAM

Jacobus Gideon Louw Morrison (1945 - 2010)

Jac or Jacques or Jack, as he was known to his many friends, was born on 6 June 1945 in Frankfort, in the then Orange Free State. The son of a family practitioner, Dr Simon Padley Morrison, Jac grew up on a farm in Northam district, north of Pretoria. His mother, Magdalena Louw, a musician, bestowed on him a lifelong interest in music. He went to school in Rustenburg and, after his compulsory army service, studied medicine at the University of Pretoria, qualifying with distinction. He went on to complete his dermatology training under Professor George Findlay at the University of Pretoria.

He was awarded an ICI Scholarship and pursued his lifelong interest in dermatopathology, working with Edward Wilson-Jones at St John's Hospital for Diseases of the Skin in London. Here he established great friendships with Mac MacDonald, Arthur Knight and Robin Marks. During his brief time in 'academic dermatology' Jac authored or co-authored 21 papers. He is perhaps most remembered for his detailed analysis of papulonecrotic tuberculides.

He established a very active dermatology clinical practice and continued to read all his own dermatopathology. He never withdrew completely from academic life, but remained an active participant at the regular weekly clinicopathology meetings at the University of Pretoria. His knowledge of dermatology was encyclopaedic and his experience and skill as a dermatopathologist was well recognised. He served as the consultant's consultant, always ready to give an opinion or advice. He was never overbearing and in meetings his opinion often had to be specifically requested. He was a man of great integrity and professionalism.

Jac was not only an outstanding dermatologist, but also a very successful farmer. Having taken over the family farm in Northam, he acquired further farms and also established a large game farm. Farming was always a passion that he enjoyed sharing with his young family.

Jacques played tennis and it was here he met Ingrid (née Slater). They were married in 2000. They had 2 children, Shannon Kelby (9 years old) and Jacques-Scott Ainsley, who is 5. Jacques became a devoted husband and very proud father. His family brought him great joy and fulfilment.

Jacques was diagnosed with pancreatic carcinoma and, after an immensely brave struggle, died on 12 August 2010 at the age of 65.

Peter R Hull