Nearly three months after respected surgeon and former rugby international Dr Mick Barry died during his morning swim at Currumbin, Emeritus Professor William B. Coman AM.MD remembers a brilliant husband, father, man and friend.

DOCTOR Michael Barry was known for many things. He was the first full-time ear, nose and throat surgeon on the Gold Coast.

He established a training program there in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. This is an excellent unit and Dr Barry was assisted in building up this unit by Dr David Cronin, Dr James Hallam, Dr Matthew Cronin, Dr Sam Dowthwaite and Dr Brent McMonagle.

This is one of the best surgical centres in this speciality in the country.

Mick is most remembered for his rugby achievements.

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Wallabies representation, Queensland representation, Brothers premiership member and especially as a member of the Queensland side which defeated the mighty British Lions on their only defeat in their tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1971.

Mick represented the Marist Brothers College Ashgrove in the First XV and First XI.

He was banned from the Ashgrove Monastery confessional, not for unforgivable sins, but because his dog Paddy, whom he took along for support, bit the priest.

Mick worked as a medical student in the UQ physiology laboratory to pay for his first year at the university. Following this, he picked up a Commonwealth Scholarship and flew through the rest of his medical course.

A well-known Brisbane barber offered free haircuts for a year if his new kitten could be rendered infertile. Mick gave the anaesthetic. The kitten slept for one month and when it awoke, it was very generous with its favours. Free haircuts were cancelled.

Mick spent two years as ENT registrar at the Mater Hospital in Brisbane where he received excellent surgical training.

He proceeded to Edinburgh where he obtained the FRCS Edinburgh. He then worked for a short time on the Channel Islands and Maidstone Kent with one of the leading ear surgeons of his day, Dr Golding Wood.

Mick married Janelle Kelleher, the most beautiful nurse at the Mater Hospital. Their first son Sean, played rugby for Oxford University and is currently teaching English at St Rita’s College.

Mick’s daughter Elyse, is a very popular and competent veterinary surgeon.

Mick’s son Andrew died tragically while managing Mick’s farm.

His son Matthew served in the Navy Seals and SAS and is currently living in Ireland with his Irish wife and family.

Mick had an army of friends. For 40 years he swam in the surf with the “Dingoes” at 5am at Currumbin.

On one occasion, he warned a new member to be sure he was fit and able to swim well in the surf. The new member was John Conrads, former Olympic swimmer and gold medallist. Mick continued to surf despite his progressive Parkinson’s disease.

Mick’s memorial service was attended by a huge number of community members who wished to pay their respects.

These included the local Member and long-time friend, Mr Ray Stevens, surgeons and staff of the Gold Coast University Hospital, former Brothers Club and Queensland Wallaby players, members of his brother Neville’s family and his sister Mary’s family together with Father Leo Coote.

Dr Michael Barry was a father, husband, surgeon and best friend.

As a person, he was direct, cheeky and likeable.

Mick will be remembered, not only for his surgical and sporting prowess but particularly for his human qualities of love for his family and friends, and his caring and consideration of others.