Raymond C. Read, MD, PhD
1924 – 2014
In words he often applied to others, Professor Raymond C. Read was “quite a lad.”
Dr. Read grew up in London during the Great Depression and World War II. In 1941, he was awarded a scholarship to Cambridge University and came to Selwyn College. After graduating in 1944, he received a Rockefeller Scholarship to study medicine in the United States of America and he sailed to the U.S. on the R.M.S. Mauretania (2), which zigzagged across the Atlantic to avoid German U-boats.
During medical school, he met a nursing student, Lillian Gostick, who became his life partner for 64 years. Following the war, they returned to England, where Dr Read completed further studies at Cambridge and fulfilled his military service in the Royal Air Force. He obtained surgical residency training and became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England before returning to the U.S. After completing graduate degrees in physiology and surgery, and residency training in surgery, he became Board-certified in general surgery and thoracic surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
His career as a general and thoracic surgeon, surgery professor, and medical researcher spanned over half a century. He had a great love for teaching surgery and anatomy as well as the proper use of the English language. Stressing the lifelong pursuit of knowledge, he often said, “We are all students.”
He was an insightful and prolific medical researcher, and his demonstration that chronic smoking could damage connective tissue both inside and outside the lungs formed the basis for the term “metastatic emphysema”. His contributions to medical research are chronicled in over 500 scientific publications. He was elected to membership in Alpha Omega Alpha, national medical honour society, as well as over two dozen professional societies.
His contagious zest for life and strength of character touched many over his long life. With endless energy, Dr. Read lived life to the fullest, never wasting time, and expressing his gratitude for his many blessings. He had an insatiable appetite for the written word and thoroughly relished reading his beloved New York Times and puzzling over the crossword. Dr Read delighted in listening to opera and classical music, greeting neighbours on walks, and playing a challenging round of golf. His certificate from The National Hole-In-One Association was a highlight.
Dr. Read travelled extensively and remained attached to his beloved England, returning there frequently to visit family and friends. Described by his colleagues as a man of great intellect and impeccable integrity, Dr. Read will be long remembered for his enthusiasm for life, unfailing work ethic, and respect for others. From escorting his children to see a live performance by The Beatles to attending countless Little League baseball games and piano recitals, he took great joy in his family. They cherish his memory.
Biographical information kindly supplied by the family of Dr R. C. Read.
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