Last Update: 30/01/2013 17:46
Ophthalmologist
23 November 1951-5 August 2009
With the recent death of Heather Thomasina Mackintosh the
ophthalmic community in New Zealand has lost a highly valued and
esteemed colleague.
Heather was born in 1951 and her family immigrated to New
Zealand from Britain in 1963. Her father, who was an ordained
Anglican minister, was Vicar of parishes in Invercargill and
Milton, and was a highly regarded chaplain at Dunedin Hospital.
Heather's secondary schooling was at St. Hilda's College in Dunedin
where she became a prefect in her final year. She then entered the
University of Otago Medical School, qualifying in 1976. Heather
commenced ophthalmic training at Christchurch Hospital in 1977, and
moved to the Wellington Ophthalmic Department in 1980. She became a
Fellow of RACS and RACO in 1982. Her assistance to fellow
ophthalmic trainees and her willingness to teach are well
remembered and it had been anticipated that Heather would undertake
teaching and care of trainees during her impending retirement.
In 1979 she married Theo Wilms, an agricultural scientist with a
special interest in the cultivation of orchids. They have two sons,
Heath and Peter, and Heather was justly proud of their
achievements. Heath is studying medicine, and Peter is a
lawyer.
Heather commenced ophthalmic practice in Taranaki in 1983 with
Dr. Arthur Talbot, and when he retired she was joined by Dr. Kevin
Taylor. She was Consultant Ophthalmologist to the Taranaki District
Health Board, and over the years provided outreach eye services at
Hawera. Heather was a regular attendant at RANZCO Conferences and
remained fully conversant with the latest developments in
ophthalmology, although confining her individual practice to
aspects of ophthalmology in which she felt she could achieve a high
standard of care.
Heather demonstrated dedication to her ophthalmic practice and
patients. Her compassion, humility and her supportive and caring
attitude endeared her to all who knew her. She will be greatly
missed by colleagues, friends and patients. The Chair of the
Taranaki District Health Board, paying tribute to Heather's work,
described her as a universally loved and respected doctor whose
skills will be sorely missed.
Heather was a wise and unstinting supporter of The Save Sight
Society of New Zealand and contributed significantly to its affairs
as Treasurer for over a decade, holding that office at the time of
her death. Heather, ably assisted by her secretary Raewyn Laurence,
ensured significant and continuing improvement in the financial
resources of the Society which are the major source of funding for
Ophthalmic research in New Zealand and are also dedicated to
raising public awareness about preventable causes of blindness. The
annual SSS photographic competition, initiated by Heather as a
fundraiser, enables photographers to exhibit their work. Her loss
will be keenly felt by the Society and its Board of Directors.
Heather's Christian faith and values had a profound influence
upon her life and being. Heather and her husband, Theo, were active
participants in the Anglican community in New Plymouth. She was a
keen gardener who particularly enjoyed the many wonderful gardens
in Taranaki. There were annual skiing expeditions with friends and
she twice climbed Mt. Taranaki. With Theo she shared a keen
interest in the arts and they recently spent time pursuing this
interest in Europe. A large collection of cookery books reflected
her love of cooking and entertaining family and friends.
Heather died suddenly on 5 August 2009. Heather will long be
remembered with affection and esteem, and for her outstanding
contributions to every sphere of her life. We extend our sympathy
to Theo, Heath and Peter, and to all Heather's family in their
great loss.
Allan Panting
This obituary is based upon that prepared by Dr Gillian Clover
and Theo Wilms and submitted to The Royal Australian and New
Zealand College of Ophthalmologists publication Ophthalmologists'
Exchange
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