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| Journal of the New Zealand Medical Association,
26-September-2003, Vol 116 No 1182
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Donald Joseph Dobson
 Donald
Joseph Dobson died on 23 July 2003 at the age of 79.
Joe was a big man in every way. Larger than life, with tremendous energy and an
enormous capacity for work. He was born and educated in Christchurch and was
Head Prefect at Christ’s College in 1942.
After
being turned down for entry to Duntroon Military College because of a shoulder
problem he turned to medicine, first at Canterbury College and then at the
University of Otago. He obtained a university blue for rowing and continued in
this sport in Christchurch subsequently.At Christchurch Hospital from 1948 to 1950, Joe threw himself into his clinical work with great enthusiasm. He had no time to sit and play bridge. He was at full speed all the time. He
went to London hoping to take the Membership but his atrocious handwriting
defeated the examiners.
Returning
to Christchurch in 1955, he joined Tom Hayes in practice in Ferry Road. When Tom
left, Terry O’Brien joined him and later Gerald Staniland became part of
the team. Joe continued in this practice until his retirement. These were the
days of high-volume general practice and this suited Joe. He loved the bustle of
general practice – he never rested. His patients loved him and he had the
respect of all his colleagues.
Joe
took a full part in professional affairs as President of the Canterbury Division
of the NZMA and played a leading role in the evolution of the College of General
Practitioners, of which he became Chairman.
In
1967 and 1968 he served as a civilian medical officer with a team from New
Zealand in Vietnam. He twice represented New Zealand at conferences of the World
Medical Association.
He
played a full part in support of his family’s activities in PTAs, school
boards, Girl Guides and as President of the Canterbury Winter Sports
Club.
A
kind and caring doctor, a loving husband and father and someone who was good to
be with, he will be sorely missed.
This obituary is based on information provided by
Joe’s roommate at Selwyn College, Tom Milliken
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