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John William COLLINSON OBE
John William COLLINSON OBE
Obituary
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John COLLINSON Obituary
14 Entries
Antony Colegrove
October 1, 2012
I was sad to hear of John's passing. I knew him well at Kingswood being in the same
House - Lower - in the 1950s. Several of my fellow housemates made a
considerable impression on me, few more than John. Even then he stood out as
a principled, loyal, reliable colleague and friend. I have several
outstanding memories of those days long ago involving John, not least being
bowled out first ball. I never did get on with cricket!
My sympathy to his family, we have lost an outstanding person,
Ant Colegrove. KS 1954-1959.
Derek Collinson
July 25, 2012
My elder brother John was born one week after the evacuation at Dunkirk in Bromley, right under the bomber flight path to London, considering the fact that England was poised to be invaded, my young newly ordained Methodist Minister Father's faith that "The Lord is our Shepherd we shall not want" rang thin but proved to be true.
Green Pastures and Still Waters were our Youth, most vivid memories being swimming, walking, climbing and picnicking in the Lake District, watching Herons, Buzzards and Osprey which was where his ornithological interests started.
His Soul and Righteousness originated around the family meal table with his enquiring discussions from an early age on every aspect of life, politics and religion at the top of the agenda. No i-phones or pads to play with in those days, we learnt social skills and conversation at an early age and John was to become a master of communication. His embryonic managerial skills were apparent, his room was undoubtedly the tidiest and best ordered in the House.
At Kingswood School, the only place where our education overlapped, his Physics books were still being presented to us (three years his junior) by the senior physics master as an exemplary example of note taking.
He played cello in the school orchestra and excelled at sport, Captain of the school Hockey XI but his greatest pride and joy was captaining the school cricket XI, a fast left arm bowler.
He was persuaded to forego a year's VSO by AB Sackett the retiring headmaster in order to support the new incoming headmaster Lowry Creed, another indication that his embryonic managerial skills were recognised early. He gained a place to Fitzwilliam College at Cambridge and then moved to training for Hospital Managers having experience at the new American hospital in Beirut as part of his training. His first appointment was to the New Dental School at King's College Hospital and subsequently moving to King's College Hospital, the youngest to be appointed to such a post at the time I believe. Subsequently he managed the Hospital's Charity and became involved in organising the management of a number of London hospital charities. Some hints of appreciation of his work have already been posted and I am sure more will be forthcoming at the proposed Memorial Service in late Autumn.
He leaves behind two lovely daughters Sheena and Penny and two delightful granddaughters Esther and Stella.
His Cup runneth over, surely goodness and mercy will follow.
His home life complete for him with his wife Patricia, Claire her daughter and her husband John.
Retirement beckoned, the family followed him to Windsor Castle where he received the OBE from the Queen for his charities involvement over many years.
Yea though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death I will fear no evil. This was certainly our impression as he faced chemotherapy, his cup as always more than half full and looking for a promised reprieve.
Sadly not to be.
I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever, that being so when we eventually join him we will find everything well ordered and excellently filed.
As his junior brother I will miss his love, his friendship, his searching and heartfelt interest, his assuring common sense and the lovely twinkle in his eye when amused.
All will be deeply remembered and deeply missed by Ruth my sister and myself.
God bless you John
Bob Nicholls
July 24, 2012
Very sorry to learn of the death of John - a first class colleague and friend over many years. He was a fine example of a thoroughly decent but effective public servant who contributed modestly in so many ways to the NHS.
Harry Musselwhite
July 22, 2012
I first met John around 1968 when I landed my first job at the then King's College Hospital Medical School. John was already much more senior than me but I remember even from those days his friendliness and commitment to helping a colleague. As we both progressed he remained very supportive and I have so many reasons to remember John as a good man, a gentleman through and through, and a true friend. No-one can replace him.
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Annette Day
July 19, 2012
John was an eminent colleague, discerning client, good friend and a gentleman. I feel very fortunate to have worked for him - and with him - for nearly a decade. Like so many others, I shall miss him greatly.
Ian Main
July 19, 2012
I am so very very sad to hear the news of John's passing. My time working for John at King's brings back so many happy memories. John was undoubtedly the biggest influence on my career he was supportive wise loyal and a friend...indeed a class act. My thoughts are also with Patricia and his family. God Bless you John
eric byers
July 18, 2012
18 July 2012
John took it upon himself to steer me through so much local background when I came to the Maudsley in 85; we worked together well and I valued his good sense, wisdom, courtesy and unstinting friendship through to this sad time. Early morning breakfasts in Kings were always productive and his personal concern and commitment to our joint interests was always evident.John gave so much to so many people and I have been the richer for being one of his beneficiaries.My thoughts are with Patricia and with John's circle of people who have been lucky enough to have known him well.
Geoff Shepherd
July 17, 2012
John was unfailingly loyal, courteous and very wise friend .I find it hard to believe he is no longer in our midst. I will miss his friendship in more ways than I can say here .Thank you John.
Shirley Farmer
July 17, 2012
My friendship with John goes back to 1975 when I joined King's College Hospital full of optimism and ideas but a total novice in the NHS! He became my greatest mentor and his friendship and support since then has been incalculable. Over the years and usually involving jolly lunches, we have continued to catch up with news and developments in the health and charitable sectors, areas in which John truly excelled. My lasting memory is when I had tea with John during his most recent treatment. Not wishing to tire him out I thought I would stay for 30 mins. Over two hours later, following a lively conversation on all manner of topics, I reluctantly left. But what a fantastic memory to keep with me for all time - one of a truly inspirational and insightful friend!
Derek Prentice
July 17, 2012
I am deeply saddened by John's death. I have known John since 1974 and throughout all of this time John has been a stalwart friend and advisor. Few will ever be able to match his dedication and commitment to the NHS.
Derek Prentice
July 17, 2012
An example to us all and the dearest friend - how I miss him.
Keith Day
Ros Clarke
July 17, 2012
John was a true and dear friend. His loss is sad beyond words and he will be greatly missed.
Peter Gluckman
July 17, 2012
John took a chance on me when he appointed me in October 1986 to my first post in the NHS following my previous career in local government. I became one of his directors when he was District General Manager (it would now be called Chief Executive) of the then Camberwell Health Authority. That was the beginning of my subsequent (and continuing) 26 years in and with the NHS - years of constant stimulation, surprises, satisfactions and occasional frustrations. I have always been grateful to John for giving me that fantastic opportunity. I greatly enjoyed working with John and I learned so much from him and his wise advice. I was immensely saddened by the news of his death after he had dedicated himself for so many years to the well being of King's College Hospital and until recently its associated charity. He could reasonably have looked forward to many years of fulfilled retirement. I would like to send my sincere condolences to Patricia and his family for this great loss to them and to us all. Peter Gluckman
July 17, 2012
John was a great friend to me, a great leader in health care and pioneer in health charities. First and foremost, John was a gentleman.
He will be much missed by me.
Roger Evans
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