I think of my dear cousin every day of the year (the photo below lives in a prominent position in my sitting room), but especially on this day May 10th; the day on which he was murdered, in 1977.
My cousin Stephen was not just a 'doctor'; he was an exceptional one. His diagnostic abilities for 'internal medicine' were second to none.
As a young 'houseman' at Liverpool's Royal University Hospital, he was head-hunted by the Australian Health Service as a 'Flying Doctor'. His possession of a pilot's licence made him highly sought-after.
Regardless, he decided to go to Canada, and it was there where his life sadly came to a sudden end at the hands of some young scumbag next-door neighbour who was looking for drugs (I believe).
He'd been an advisor to the Canadian Government, as well as having his services often sought by the Canadian Mounties. He was a lovely man, and had been a huge asset to society.
He died aged 35, leaving a wife and three young daughters; one of whom witnessed his murder.
He should have had at least another 30 years to offer to the world of medicine. What a terrible waste of a precious life.
RIP Stephen. It pains me, knowing that he's no longer here. xx
What a tragic end to a life that could have/should have been. We were watching the Antiques Roadshow yesterday and the segment about the Windermere children { amongst many, many other things including your cousin } made me quite tearful as to how life can be so cruel. XXXX
ReplyDeleteHis tragic end was dreadful. It was both pointless and devastating. I still have no idea what happened to his killer; but I'm sure it was far too lenient.
DeleteWhat a terrible thing and is really not what you would expect to happen in Canada. It must have been shocking for his family, friends and acquaintances.
ReplyDeleteIt was horrendous. Hardly a day has gone by when I haven't thought of him.
DeleteAn incredibly sad story Cro. A senseless death which has left a void in many respects.
ReplyDeleteAnd I quite expect the little Toad who killed him is out and about, enjoying himself.
DeleteAwful, dreadful, tragic, unimaginable.
ReplyDeleteIt was almost 45 years ago, but the shock is still there.
DeleteWhat a world we live in when a gifted, caring man's life can be snuffed out by a nobody with bad intentions. As you suggest, your cousin still had so much good to do, so many lives to mend but the nobody who killed him will have left no mark of any note. So very tragic.
ReplyDeleteHis three girls lost their father, and their children lost a grandfather. The tragedy continues to spread.
DeleteRest in peace indeed
ReplyDeleteAmen.
DeleteI hesitate to pop this view forward but here goes.
ReplyDeleteHow is it possible not to know what happened to the killer?
I have tried to find out, but to no avail. I asked a Canadian lawyer if he could check the case. I gave him all the details, but he said it wasn't possible. I would have thought it was public info'.
DeleteWhat city? There must be published court proceedings of a murder case? In my community we presently have daily published reports of ongoing cases.
DeleteDrugs are behind so much tragedy. I am so sorry that your family member was a victim to such a horrible crime.
ReplyDeleteI'm not 100% sure, but I think the boy's father was a Judge. It must have ruined their lives too, having a son who would kill for drugs.
DeleteVery sad, you do think of the lost potential and choices, the what ifs, what if he had taken the job in Australia, you just can't go down that road. Tragic loss.
ReplyDeleteHe loved Canada; no-one could have foreseen what happened.
DeleteWhat a sad loss for the world.
ReplyDeleteThat is very true.
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