In Memory of

Hugh Williams

In memory of Dr Hugh Williams 

Our doctor, our colleague, our teacher, our friend

He would love for you to share a story

Book Owner: Ben Grall
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Ben

Dear HughesPlease excuse me if I was unable to write these farewells earlier. If we judge the impact of a man on the number of times they are mentioned, you have marked so many minds that we still count 3 months after your death. You would say this sentence is too complicated and joke that English is not our native language.We miss you. You taught me things that I’m only beginning to understand now. Sometimes I thought you were wrong and blimey no, you were right long before I could figure it out. We miss the laughter in the clinical room, the help you provided at the most unexpected times, and the words of wisdom that continue to guide usMaybe you are in a better place. If not, come back, we have pastries. Farewell. …

Ken Checinski

I’ve known Hugh and off from our days together at St George’s many moons ago where we were indeliably influenced by our mentor, Professor Hamid Ghodse. Hugh epitomised scholarship (his record of publications is impressive), the desire to teach anyone who came to him (many students and medical trainees remained as colleagues in Brighton and the South East), camaraderie (his past and current colleagues testify to this), and, most of all, the thousands of people he has helped as a doctor (their voices are loud but harder to hear). Hugh’s thoughfulness, compassion and kindness were only matched by his humility.  He and I enjoyed intellectual jousting, good natured teasing and banter, and a quiet pint together discussing the things men talk about as we get older. I wish we had had time for more of these things. Dear Hugh – your wider “family” will miss you more than you will ever know. Yours in love “Uncle” Ken …

Beverly Folayan-Dasilva

Wow I am still in shock that you are no more Hugh !. You will be greatly missed. …

Wndy Murray

Dr Hugh, To say you were unique would be an undestatement, from your stories of your travels, to your days as a young Dr and your beloved Ireland. Your Knowledge of the field you worked in for so many years and loved was immense . I learnt a lot, I laughed a lot and probabaly shed a few tears in the last 5 months that we worked together. Honestly I dont think anyone will have had a greater impact on me professionally and in such a short space of time. I still expect to see and hear you singing in the office , how can we not miss you.   In your words Dr Hugh,” God be good to him”   Wendy …

Theodora Duka

I have such  fond memories of High. We had many colllabiratiob over the past 20 years since I first met him. His enthusiasm, great ideas were often a great inspiration! He was passionate to help and advise. he will remain in my memory. Many sympathies to the family Dora Duka     …

Keren

Hugh,   It’s still sinking in that you are no longer with us. Whenever I was in the office you made a point of visiting my desk and asking what I was reading, often before you even said hello! We’ve worked together for 6 years but in the last year or so I feel like we built up a bit of a friendship, mainly talking about books and Ireland, it was an honour. Rest well. …

Simon Williams

It is with a heavy heart I write this as I, Like Kristy, was fortunate enough to have been professionally “brought up” under your close eye.  I feel priviledged to have had someone with such an encyclopaedic knowledge of our field to influence and guide my practice.  Among the many lessons you taught included: The belt and braces approach to patients’ safety (as well as your own trousers).  Don’t guild the lilly, when you felt a point have been made (and that I was embellishing my work).  And, as you said yourself, the most important lesson you taught, “if you don’t know, don’t guess.”   I feel the compassion you showed towards the people we worked with, who were often coping with significant trauma, hardship and misfortune and your individualised approach was an equally, if not more important lesson.    I will miss your canny ability to identify if a situation was particularly urgent, at which point you would then decide to recount a very long, often elaborate and, not awlays particulalrly relevant, anecdote. (This in itself, being a lesson to not rush decisions). I will miss your delight in criticising my cycling “get-up” whilst you sat in your …

Scott Crossley

Dear Dr Williams, I remember when I started as a volunteer on Promenade Ward and you always went out of your way to make me feel welcome and part of the team, That gave me the confidence to pursue a career in substance misuse. I will miss our conversations about football which you always had time for, but I know you would have much prefered to talk about rugby! You always had time to explain things to me and always showed me respect and kidness. Thank you for everything Dr Williams. Scott. …

Kristy Tanner

Dearest Hugh, It has taken me a while to write in this book as I am lost for words and deeply saddened by your sudden passing. You have been part of my life for 20 years, from when I started as a student nurse right through my whole carer. We have shared many inside jokes , memories of service users and the development of the service throughout the years. We have spent the past week sharing our memories of you which has helped us to manage this sudden change. I have fond memories of you calling me “sister” (as in ward sister) for approx 6 years , never actually calling me Kristy which reflected your old school style of the Doctors/Nurses relationship. I miss hearing you sing in the office (only one line at a time) and allowing me to tidy all of your belongings and cleaning your desk on a daily basis. I will even admit that I miss hearing your daily struggle with the dragon software and the office is now a very quiet place. You have “professionallly raised” Simon and I and for this we are eternally grateful.    We will keep the memory of you …

Adi Ramegowda

Dear Hugh,   It was a previlege knowing and working with you allbeit briefly. You were a thorough gentelman and a great charecter. Your kindness and compassion towards parients and colleagues was exemplary. You will be dearly missed Hugh. Rest in peace dear friend.  A stalwart of the addiction sector! Thank you Hugh. Adi …