Personal Tribute by Professor Roger Williams, CBE
Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 6:48PM Tribute by Professor Roger Williams, CBE, Director Director of the Institute of Hepatology, and supported of 'The Foundation for Liver Research', established in 1974 to develop and extend research into diseases of the human liver and to enhance medical research generally.
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As Philip’s doctor for some twelve years – and of his medical problems I will say no more, except to indicate that his only complaints to me, particualrly during the past year, were to the effect that he was no longer able to do all he wanted to do!
We shared a great love of the sea and of sailing and consultations often turned quite quickly to our most recent experiences. Early on in our friendship I remember particularly one tremendously fun evening that we had when going out to The Needles to welcome Mike Golding back after his first Round-the-World race sponsored by JPS. We also had happy times together during Cowes Week.
But it is of his work as Trustee of the Foundation for Liver Research that I particularly want to write about and pay tribute to. Philip took a serious and professional interest in not only the workings of the Foundation but also in what was being attempted in various projects directed to the better understanding of liver disease and its treatment.
I know that I can speak on behalf of the Chairman and other Trustees in saying how much his advice and opinion were welcome. He rarely missed a meeting despite the hectic business and travel schedule that he lived and I could always rely on him for wise advice in between the regular Trustee meetings. His most generous donations over many years also made possible important research project and many patients wil be indebted to him as a result.
Philip, for me, was larger than life in so many respects and each of us who filled Worcester Cathedral for that most marvellous memorial service last Friday will have special memories of him and reasons for gratitude to his entrepreneurial skills and extraordinary hard work over the years.
He will be greatly missed.
