Dermot Morrah was born in Invercargill in 1943. After growing up in rural Southland, he completed his secondary schooling at Christ’s College, where he was involved with music, studying the piano, as well as the regular curriculum.

At Christchurch University he started a science degree, choosing mathematics and physics as his initial subjects. But then he changed course to medicine, and sat his Medical Intermediate and was accepted into Otago Medical School in 1963.

Dermot enjoyed student life in Dunedin. He developed an active interest in the arcane mysteries of home brewing, and applied himself with diligence to the task of achieving the perfect brew, with selfless dedication to regular tasting and testing.

One summer break was spent, with his good friend David Dunlop, working at West Arm Lake Manapouri in the construction of the power station. Confidently asserting familiarity and competence with a range of heavy machinery, the two of them spent an exciting and exhilarating time staying ahead of trouble; they managed to bring up a small runabout, suitably stocked with home brew, and were able to spend their spare time fishing and paddling back to shore after numerous breakdowns.

After qualifying in 1967, Dermot spent time in Christchurch as a house officer and then as a medical registrar, before switching allegiance and embarking on a surgical career. From Christchurch he travelled to the UK and worked as a registrar at Peterborough, from where he gained his FRCS. He then spent a further six months as a registrar at The Royal Free Hospital before returning to the employ of the North Canterbury Hospital Board until March 1975, during which time he acquired his FRACS.

Dermot then took up a job as Acting Lecturer and Research Fellow in the Department of Surgery, Otago Medical School until October 1977, when he moved north to join the staff at Whangarei Hospital as full-time General Surgeon.

Dermot threw himself into the surgical life of Northland, and in 1978 took up the post of Supervisor for the Surgical Training of Registrars, which was then in its fledgling stage. He took his role very seriously, and became closely involved with the many trainee registrars who passed through Whangarei.

Subsequently, he established a successful private practice with a particular interest in endoscopy and breast surgery.

Dermot and Diana developed a beautiful home and garden at Dip Road, Kamo, where they entertained with style and grace. Diana organised the grounds and Dermot maintained them on his beloved lawn tractor, resorting to occasional, surreptitious pruning while on the move and out of sight of the overseer.

When not at Dip Road, the family spent much time at their idyllic beach house at Tutukaka, which opens out onto the foreshore and provided much relaxation and the opportunity to go fishing in their small runabout Prozac.

Dermot was a private man, unwilling to burden others. He did not complain or rail against his unwelcome and untimely fate, though he did wryly comment that it seemed a little unreasonable.

He was quiet and compassionate, devoted to the care of his patients, and to the art and practice of surgery, which he loved. He set and conscientiously maintained high standards, and expected others to meet them.

He was not a man who flaunted his opinions, or who proffered advice unasked; but, when sought, his advice and opinions were thoughtful, reasoned, and worth heeding.

But his overriding concern was always for Diana and his sons, David and Michael, of whom he was so proud.

They, in turn, have much to be proud of in the memory of a man stalwart to the end. On behalf of Dermot’s friends and colleagues we offer the love and support due a man who cared for those around him, who earned the respect of his colleagues, who always paid his way, and who battled a long and debilitating illness, dying bravely and with dignity.