Vale Dr William James Charlton fr 1943
19 May 201119.04.26 – 31.3 .2011
Bill was in College (Fresher 1943) for his entire Medical course (1943-1948) and graduated on 24 September 1948.
Following graduation, he was an RMO at Royal North Shore Hospital, Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children & the Royal Newcastle Hospital, 1951-53.
He was captain of the Andrew’s rugby and swimming teams and also represented the College in athletics.
A great player of the bagpipes, Bill piped in many a haggis at Robbie Burns’ dinners and is fondly remembered wearing his kilt and full Scottish dress. He was Secretary of the Students’ Club and in the Principal’s reference as he left College, the “Bird“ said of Bill, “He has been successful both in his examinations and in the process of living with his fellow students. He has the happy gift of friendliness and leaves an excellent reputation for service in every department of the College”.
An article written by Bill, in the College Newsletter in 2002, describes his memories of a wonderful football victory by the St Andrew’s team, of which he was a member, in 1944, over St John’s College, who were, it seems, constantly the winners when these teams met. Bill said that nobody could recall at that time the last time Andrew’s had beaten John’s. Virtually everyone at College turned out for the game, including the “Bird”, and victory was achieved on the final bell. It was a victory that was celebrated with great rejoicing in Andrew’s that night and so vividly remembered by Bill and many who were there almost half a century later.
Bill commenced practice in Charlestown, in 1954, where he remained for over 40 years.
Bill was a Founding Clinical Lecturer at the Newcastle Medical School from its commencement in 1978. For several years thereafter he and his wife Jean hosted picnics and barbeques to welcome new Medical students.
Bill Charlton was a much loved and respected gentleman in his home town of Charlestown and among his many friends, patients and medical colleagues in the Newcastle area.
He is survived by his wife, Jean and his children, Campbell, Ian, Marion and Alison and their families.
Submitted for the Charlton family by Robin Gordon, wife of Dr Denis Gordon, Fresher 1954.
May 2011
