A prominent personality in the medical profession, Dr. John Atherton, has passed away.
He died at the Moto’otua Hospital on Tuesday. He was 76.
Dr. Atherton’s death was confirmed by his wife, Papali’i Dr. Viopapa Annandale-Atherton. She told the Samoa Observer yesterday that her husband died after a battle witha long-term lung disorder.
“He died 12.25am on the 2nd June at Moto’otua,” said Papali’i. “He was seriously ill and the cause of death was fibrosing alveolitis.”
Dr. Atherton passed away a few weeks away from his birthday on June 18th.
Papali’i remembered her husband as being witty and having a “dry sense of humour”.
“He was a great writer and thinker that wrote many letters to the Samoa Observer,” she said.
“He has read the different religious books, Koran, Mormon, teaching of Buddha and read the Bible three times.
“John read all the religious books for understanding and deeper meaning of the soul. He was in search of his view of God.”
She said her husband also enjoyed writing, often putting pen to paper about issues that fancied him.
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“He would write about local politics, philosophy particularly comparative religion,” she said.
She also remembers his adventurous character.
“He loved to travel with his wife,” she said, smiling. “We would go on a round the world trip every two years and visit family in England and Spain. His favourite place to visit was Austria.
“He never missed visits to Austria because he helped the Hungarian refugees in World War II by building their homes.”
Born in South Rise – Surrey, England, Dr. Atherton served the community of Samoa particularly in the medical field for more than 30 years.
He retired from full medical practice in 2007 but went back to do part time practice in 2008.
Dr. Atherton was first appointed as Assistant Surgeon at TupuaTamaseseMeaole Hospital from 1971 – 1974.
His second appointment as Surgeon Specialist, a Chief Surgeon was from 1976 – 1982.
In 1993 he established the SoifuaManuia clinic at Matautu with his wife Papali’i.
Dr. Atherton is a founding member of the Samoa General Practitioners Association and was later Secretary and President. He was also a member of the Mapusaga o Aiga and board member of Samoa Cancer Society.
Dr. Atherton is survived by his wife and two sons, Malvern and James Atherton.
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