FLIPPING BOOK CHRONICLE 2024

made him approachable. His infectious laughter and optimism brightened every situation. His family remembers that he was always rushing between activities. His attire told the story: suit meant hospital, checked shirt indicated fishing, plus fours signalled shooting, dodgy sweater meant drinks with friends, and tramp outfit meant gardening. Conversations were brief; he’d appear, ask “What’s new?” and vanish mid-reply. Once, he even performed surgery on the family dog when the vet admitted he wasn’t trained for it! Despite his success, Roddy remained remarkably down to earth. He spent nothing on himself, only on others. This meant the family “holidays” were quite basic, like the annual trips to the Scottish Highlands – cold, wet and midge infested adventures that began with a gruelling nine-hour car journey. Scotland was Roddy’s happy place. He excelled at fishing and never returned empty-handed. Roddy’s generosity knew no bounds. He helped everyone without judgment or expectation, earning him widespread respect. His signature phrase, “Leave him alone,” reflected his refusal to speak ill of anyone. He is sorely missed by the whole family. Prepared by Andrew Nash (West, 1959 1962) from tributes given by Roddy’s secretary, a consultant surgeon colleague and his son Mark Dr Frank Raimondo, Michaelhouse Old Boy from the second half of the 1950s and member of the board of Peace Parks Foundation for more than a quarter of a century, passed away on 2 July this year. Described by Peace Parks as a “stern supporter”, he is remembered for having “actively participated in shaping and steering the growth and development of the organisation. Renowned for his deep understanding of Africa’s conservation challenges and development opportunities, he made an effort to visit every single project and protected RAIMONDO, FRANK EMILIO Born 1941, Died 2024 Michaelhouse 1955-1957

area supported by Peace Parks. A few years ago he embarked on a four-month 5000km journey as part of a support crew travelling across southern Africa.” Noting that Frank’s loss is “deeply felt”, Peace Parks added that his legacy would “continue to inspire and guide our work in conservation and community development”. Also a “long-standing member” and trustee of the World Wildlife Fund (SA), the fund marked his death in paying tribute to his “great legacy and his love for people and nature”. A retired director of companies, and married to Ida, with four children – three of whom were involved in conservation work – Frank was also a founding director of the Wilderness Action Group, and a trustee of the Wilderness Leadership School, with widespread appreciation for his sourcing of financial support for wildlife conservation. In addition, he was an adviser for the Robberg Coastal Corridor Protected Environment, focused on an 18km eco corridor linking two important protected areas south of Plettenberg Bay, the Garden Route National Park and the Robberg Nature Reserve. As coastal owners of the Hoek van de Berg Private Nature Reserve near Hawston village, north-west of Hermanus, Frank and Ida did not always live the life of peace they wished in their work for conservation. In an article headed “The Cape coast shellfish war”, the Mail & Guardian reported on 13 January 1995 of the threat they had faced in one of South Africa’s racial and social conflict issues impinging on wildlife conservation. “Protesters hurled stones at the house of nature reserve owner Dr Frank Raimondo,” the M&G stated, noting that he had hired a sniper to guard his property. “At the centre of the conflict was an equally humble mollusc, the perlemoen, which, like the rock lobster, is dwindling off the Cape coast as rising consumer prices make it an ever-more lucrative source of income. “There have been poachers ever since fishing-quota legislation introduced in the 1960s slapped the label of poacher on to any perlemoen catcher not in possession of a quota permit or daily

In 1988, as undergraduate tutor, Roddy oversaw clinical teaching placements for Nottingham University Medical School students. Starting with six surgery students, the programme expanded to 12, plus 12 medicine students. His pleasant demeanour helped engage colleagues in teaching, leading to the programme’s growing success. In 1994, as medical director, Roddy led the new Medical Education Department, covering student teaching, postgraduate training and consultants’ education. The trust soon became a centre for national courses like basic surgical skills and advanced trauma life support. In 1997, Roddy served as acting CEO until a new trust combining both Derby hospitals was established. After this challenging period, he returned to his role as undergraduate tutor. The success of student teaching in Derby led Nottingham University to create a Graduate Entry Medical School. Built at the Royal Derby Hospital, medical education and training flourished across all specialties. This remarkable growth stems from Roddy’s pioneering efforts in 1988. A work colleague said that Roddy was a man of remarkable intellect, dedication and boundless kindness. His surgical skills were exceptional, making him the preferred choice for both trainees and staff. Every trainee wanted to join his theatre list, drawn by his magical hands and teaching abilities. As a mentor, he was like a father figure, guiding junior doctors and consultants alike. His door was always open, and his dedication to medical education was unwavering. In a world lacking humility, Roddy was a beacon of modesty. His professional achievements were remarkable. From serving as medical director and chief executive of Royal Derby Hospitals to holding key national roles in the NHS Modernisation Agency, his impact was profound. His crowning achievement was establishing the Nottingham NHS Treatment Centre. In 2013, the Vascular Society honoured him with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Roddy’s leadership style was unique – he saw potential in everyone and encouraged risk-taking and learning from failures. His humility, despite his achievements,

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