The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 272 No 7286 p202
14 February 2004

Society summary

Tribute

Savage In a tribute to the late Duncan John Savage (PJ, 31 January, p138), R. T. HUTCHINSON writes:

John Savage spent most of his working life in York, mainly as proprietor of a pharmacy in Blossom Street. In addition to providing excellent service to patients and customers he served the pharmacy community for many years. He was an active member of the local branch committee for some 20 years, and served as chairman and as secretary during this time. John was also a member of the North Yorkshire Local Pharmaceutical Committee for many years and was chairman for a dozen or more years. He was also a member of North Yorkshire Family Practitioner Committee.

He worked behind the scenes to help many pharmacists with personal and professional problems, and assumed the mantle of branch sick visitor when the need arose.

Since his retirement from retail pharmacy, John had taken a keen interest in the activities of the British Society for the History of Pharmacy.

I wish to extend my sincere condolences to his wife Margaret, also a pharmacist, and his son Ian and his family.

PAMELA BROMPTON writes:

Local pharmacists were saddened to hear of the sudden death of John Savage. I first met John 20 years ago through his committee work with North Yorkshire Family Practitioner Committee. There was always a courteous welcome at his York pharmacy, the kettle being pressed into immediate service.

After retirement John enjoyed helping out with occasional locum work and would often call into local pharmacies just for a chat and exchange of news and views.

He was a keen reader of the PJ and often contributed to the letters page if he thought bureaucracy was getting the upper hand. Indeed he had even been known to turn up at the front door of the Society to deliver his opinion in person. One wonders if he was invited to a Lambeth cup of tea!

A good friend to many pharmacists, John was well known for being a loyal support to both his colleagues and the community he served so selflessly, regardless of all personal circumstances.

We extend out sympathy to his pharmacist wife Margaret and family, and remember a forthright friend to the profession.