The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 269 No 7212 p266
24 August 2002

Tribute

Marsden In a tribute to the late Ann Doris Marsden (PJ, 17 August, p230), BRYAN KIRKWOOD writes:

When news came to me that Ann Marsden had died I was saddened for 30 years of sharing participation in conferences, and meetings at Lambeth and of the Statutory Committee. It is an appropriate response but only in part because Ann was a lively spirit and will remain so.

Over and above her long and tireless contribution to the affairs and activities of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, which are chronicled elsewhere, Ann was an enthusiastic attendee at the likes of the Globe and Mermaid theatres. She was also a knowledgeable viewer of the exhibits in the Tate Gallery.

I value a photocard which she gave to me of Salvador Dali's "Mountain lake". Over the darkened scene, partially lit by moonlight, there is superimposed a telephone receiver cradled in space. How fit-ting — Ann Marsden was an energetic communicator, quick to be so, and where issues of social justice were concerned, fiercely so.

Over the past four years her ability to communicate was severely restricted by her disability. That time is over now. May Neil, their daughter and son, receive strength in loss and come to know warmth in remembrance.

Ashford In a tribute to the late Jeffrey Ashford (PJ, 3 August, p177), ARTHUR WILLIAMS (former president, Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists) writes:

I was shocked to hear of the untimely death of Jeff Ashford. Jeff was a valued colleague on the GHP council at a time of great turbulence and change. He was also an effective district member of council for the north-west.

Despite the pressures of the workplace Jeff was able to make a distinctive contribution to the work of guild council, and the wider guild. He brought great wisdom and humour to council. His vision for hospital pharmacy was on a grand scale, but at the same time he was able to present his views with clarity and with attention to the necessary details.

His presence was that of a jovial Lear of a man, but his personality was more complex and subtle than the casual observer might imagine. Beyond the world of pharmacy Jeff enjoyed his family life and sailing, which was a great release from his professional responsibilities.

Pharmacy and sailing were combined when Jeff, along with like minded friends, sailed from Falmouth to the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Jersey in 1986. The parties on board have become the stuff of legend. Although invited, Auntie Maud was not able to make the trip due to the pressure of duties.

Jeff had a tragically short life but his legacy will benefit the world of pharmacy in the years to come. Jeff was probably the best president the guild never had.