Dr Richard Westmoreland’s remembered by North West Hospital and Health Service

North Queensland doctor Richard Westmoreland is being remembered for his lasting legacy in medicine after he passed away last week.

North Queensland doctor Richard Westmoreland is being remembered for his lasting legacy in medicine.

Known fondly as “Westie”, Dr Westmoreland was born on August 4, 1941, and died in Townsville on August 17.

Friend Kim Hattingh said Dr Westmoreland was a teacher and mentor to many.

“He was an inspiration to all medicos, nurses and others who were buoyed up on his wave of determination to improve the care of children in north west Queensland where he served as lone paediatrician in Mt Isa,” Dr Hattingh said.

“His enthusiasm for teaching cannot be overstated.

“He had a lifelong love for the bush and appreciated all gifts given by nature, and generously shared this enthusiasm with all junior doctors in his charge, with the unintended result of some of us staying in the area, as we now love it as he did.”

He said Westie left behind more than what he gave to medicine and paediatrics.

Dr Richard Westmoreland died in Townsville on Wednesday. Picture: Supplied.

“He served in Vietnam, he was a devoted husband and loving father, and to us the rarest of friends – that sort of friendship that lasts forever,” she said.

“He retired in 2009 and lived his life quietly on the outskirts of Townsville, enjoying continued appreciation of nature’s beauty on his regular fishing escapes to Weipa, trips out bush, and regaling us with stories filled with wit and reflection as only Westie could.

“We will never forget you. You are a legend to so many. You will continue to live through us and all the people you shone your light on.”

In a statement on social media, the North West Hospital and Health Service said he was a “familiar face for many children and their families in the North West between 1998 and 2009”.

“Dr Westmoreland was loved and respected by his patients and colleagues and will be greatly missed,” NWHHS said.

“North West Hospital and Health Service wishes to extend its condolences to Dr Westmoreland’s wife Hazel and daughter Anna, friends and family at this time.”

Dr Westmoreland’s funeral will be announced at a later date.

Originally published as Dr Richard Westmoreland’s remembered by North West Hospital and Health Service