Facebook post #051 (6 Jan 2021)
On this day in 1966, my Grandad, John Squire, died suddenly. It was my Gran’s birthday. And Epiphany – a wise man was missing at my cradle 6 months later. Here is his obituary from the British Medical Journal – the photo is from the Journal of Pathology. (See also posts 29, 42 and 52)
The Lancet also covered John’s illustrious medical career at some length but, on a more personal note, contributions to the obituary noted that he “had a magnificent brain, dynamic energy, and unflagging enthusiasm. He could absorb and retain knowledge with a celerity and ease that was the envy of all who knew him, and he had an unerring capacity to see things clearly, to focus on what was important in any problem and yet never to overlook anyone or any detail.” He recognised new and important developments early, and was excited by developments in computing and automation. “…few are as loved as John Squire was loved… he was a sensitive and indeed emotional man.” He would “tell of his delight in his family… or of going out on a snowy night to feed his daughters’ ponies.” Both commentators described him as nearly irreplaceable as any man might be.
The John Squire Library still exists at Northwick Park.
