Fallen giant of hospital
DR Peter Keary, former physician, rheumatologist and director of clinical training, The Townsville Hospital
April 22, 1936 – December 6, 2017 THE Townsville health service community was touched with great sadness, lightened with great memories, at the recent passing of Dr Peter Keary, an icon in his profession, friend, colleague, coach, and mentor to many.
Peter was a force of nature, one of the hospital’s earliest physicians and first rheumatologist. He served the people of Townsville for well over 30 years, from 1978 until his retirement five years ago. For many years, Peter ran the intern training program as director of clinical training and was revered as a medical teacher and mentor. His name is immortalised in the “Peter Keary Intern of the Year” prize. Peter was a superb physician with an inquiring mind, astute judgment and an inspirational ability to work with his patients and with other members of the healthcare team with respect, humility, humour and compassion.
Recognisable at 100m with a wobbly gait, long socks, ready smile and raucous laugh, Peter was a friendly, engaging figure who knew how to teach, how to inspire and how to care. A great character, he would simultaneously make you laugh and make you think. Few will forget his performances “pretending” to sleep in meetings, only to wake up and ask a particularly tricky question.
Peter was lucky to have his wonderful wife Jenny look after him during his later years of ill health, and they moved to Orange a few years ago to be closer to Jenny’s family.
We were so lucky to have been blessed by Peter’s presence. His patients and his colleagues will never forget him, and will be forever grateful for his care, wisdom, wit, and support in times of distress. He made an enormous contribution to our community. We have lost one of the best.
Peter is survived by his wife Jenny, daughters Brigid, Sarah and Rachel, stepdaughters Rachael and Hannah, and former wife Maureen. His son, Patrick, predeceased him.
• Contributed by Dr Andrew Johnson, executive director medical services, Townsville Hospital and Health Service