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Scottish doctor Sir Kenneth Calman dies aged 83

Scottish doctor Sir Kenneth Calman dies aged 83

Glasgow Times3 days ago
Educated at the University of Glasgow, he was formerly the Chief Medical Officer of both Scotland, later, England.
His daughter, the comedian Susan Calman, announced the news on social media.
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She wrote on Instagram: "My dad died earlier this week. This is a photo is him and my Mum on their wedding day 58 years ago. It's a horrific time but I'm lucky to have supportive family, friends and a wonderful partner to hold me up.
"Thanks to the incredible staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow for treating him with such kindness and dignity and for the compassion they showed us. It made the bleakest of times more bearable. When he was conscious and alert I told him I loved him.
"He said 'you're wonderful' and I said 'so are you'. Grief is so completely, overwhelmingly, physically painful, but as others have said such feelings are an indication of how loved he was, is and always will be."
Sir Kenneth was elected Chancellor of the University of Glasgow in 2006, and famously led the Calman Commission which reviewed Scottish devolution.
The commission recommended that the Scottish Parliament receive greater tax-raising powers and further devolution on things such as administration of elections, the national speed limit and new borrowing powers.
He was vice-chancellor of Durham University from 1998 and 2006.
Professor Karen O'Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden, said: 'Our University community is deeply saddened by the death of Sir Kenneth Calman, who steered the University into an even stronger position through the developments he oversaw during an almost 10-year tenure.
'He left a tremendous legacy. Our thoughts and condolences are with all his family and friends."
Former Durham University Chancellor (2005-2011), the author Bill Bryson, said: 'Kenneth Calman was a consummate Vice-Chancellor, indeed a consummate human being - wise, thoughtful, irrepressibly good-natured, deeply devoted to Durham and greatly admired by students and staff alike.
'Working beside him was an inspiration and a pleasure. I will miss him very much."
Anne Galbraith, former Chair of University Council, said: 'I knew Ken slightly when he was Chief Medical Officer, so it was a great pleasure to get to know him better when I joined the Council of the University.
'His tenure included some major developments in the University, not least teaching medicine.
'Ken was always such good company, with an impish smile. He wore his learning and achievements lightly, and, for myself, he will always be remembered for his charm and unfailing good nature.'
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