Obituary: Dr Patrick Manson, dedicated to his community as a GP and stalwart of sport and youth groups

The entire community of Hawick was deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden tragic death of Dr Pat Manson. Pat was a most dedicated, conscientious, thoughtful and caring GP. The well-being and care of his patients was the cornerstone of his professional life and he gave his time unstintingly, often to his own personal detriment. We know that he felt very privileged indeed to have shared in the highs and lows of the lives of his many patients.

Pat was the eldest of three brothers and spent his early years in Alford, Aberdeenshire, where his father was a GP and local Scoutmaster. Pat also became an active member of the Scout movement, where he developed his love for nature and the outdoors.

He was educated at Inverurie Academy before attending Aberdeen University and graduating in 1977. He did his house officer jobs in Aberdeen and then Dumfries, where he met his future wife, Lesley, a radiographer. He completed his GP training in Derby and Nottingham and became a partner in a Loughborough practice in 1981. Pat and Lesley had a yearning to return to Scotland and they moved to Hawick in 1988. They settled in the Borders and shared many interests together.

He was a proud dad to Clare and Ian and took great pleasure in seeing them both develop successful careers. Pat and Lesley recently had the great joy of seeing Clare being married in the Borders with family and friends around them.

Pat’s GP practice was originally in an adapted terraced house, but moved to purpose-built premises in Hawick Health Centre in 1990. Pat embraced new developments and technology, but always asked himself: “How will this benefit the patients?” In 1998 an opportunity arose to merge with a neighbouring practice. Pat was a prime mover in this process, and Teviot Medical Practice was born.

He was an enthusiastic and respected GP trainer who had mentored 23 trainee GPs and was a course organiser for GP training in South East Scotland. He followed the careers of his trainees with interest and was pleased to have appointed two of them as partners in his own practice.

He also played a leading role in setting up and supporting a branch of Cruse, the bereavement counselling service, in the Borders. For the last four years he shared pitch-side medical duties with a colleague at Mansfield Park, home of Hawick RFC. This he thoroughly enjoyed – but typically set about this challenge by ensuring that his own training and expertise was developed to his own self-exacting standards.

In recent years he volunteered as medical officer for two expeditions by the Borders Exploration Group, a charity which offers expedition experiences to young people, to Chile and Norway. Again, his meticulous preparation and care ensured that the young explorers were in the best possible hands. Despite his demanding professional commitments he found time for many outside interests. He was a keen golfer who could play to a single-figure handicap when time allowed and was a popular member at both Hawick and Minto Golf Clubs. He also played competitive table tennis in his youth and was instrumental in establishing a junior table tennis club when he was in Hawick. He also played the guitar.

On moving to Hawick he joined Round Table, where he made many lasting friendships and was an active member of the Association of ex- Tablers.

Pat was an amiable and generous host when he and Lesley entertained. He loved to cook and knew his wines. He and Lesley were widely travelled, having visited Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, South America and India. Closer to home he enjoyed walking and cycling in the lovely Borders countryside.

Pat was a much-valued friend and colleague and a true gentleman. He was sensitive to the needs of others and took his professional responsibilities very seriously.

Ultimately he was overwhelmed by his own exacting standards and sadly took his own life. We have lost a very dear friend and dedicated doctor.

He is survived by his wife, Lesley, his two children, Clare and Ian, his father, Bill, and two brothers, Charles and Kenny.

Dr C Elliott and

Dr C H Oliver