HUGH Cameron Kennedy was born in Glasgow, spending his early years in Dennistoun.
He was educated at the High School of Glasgow where he was school captain, captain of rugby and CSM of the Cadet Corps.
He was a keen rugby player who turned out for the FPs and was in the championship winning side of 1935-36, captained by his life-long friend RWilson Shaw. He went on to play for Glasgow, but unfortunately had to call off from a Scottish trial due to illness. In 1965, he was elected president of the FP rugby club and was responsible for the installation of floodlights at Old Anniesland.
He graduated MB ChB from Glasgow University in 1939.
Shortly afterwards, with the start of the war, he joined the RAMC. In 1940, he married Nancy and enjoyed a two-day honeymoon in Aberfoyle before returning to active service. Three years were spent in Malta before moving on to Italy. He attained the rank of major, was awarded the Polish Cross of Valour and was Mentioned in Dispatches.
After the war he took up house jobs in the Victoria Infirmary before joining the longestablished practice of Drs Carfrae Douglas and Willie Gardner in the south side of Glasgow in 1947.
He practised in the traditional way from his home at 1 Moray Place and from the practice rooms at 365 Eglinton Street. In those days, there were no appointment systems but such was his popularity that the people of Pollokshields willingly queued for long periods at open surgery times in order to see their own family doctor. He in turn regarded them all as his "chookies" (chickens) and nothing was too much trouble for him on their behalf. He often quoted an unknown author: "I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."
Family life was very important to him and Sunday lunches were a special treat at which he loved entertaining, particularly his grandchildren and latterly his great-grandchildren.
Apart from his family, his work had allowed him few outside interests. Summer holidays were spent on the Isle of Tiree from where his parents originated. He would relax there by going out for the lobster creels with his two sons.
In the early sixties, he was invited salmon fishing on the River Shiel in Ardnamurchan where he pursued this pastime well into his seventies. Here he could relax and pass on his enthusiasm for the sport to his sons and grandchildren.
His wife, Nancy, died in 2000, two months short of their diamond wedding anniversary.
Failing health in latter years was a great frustration to him, particularly since his deafness restricted his communication with family and friends.
His sons, Cameron, a lawyer, and Jimmy, a gynaecologist, survive him.
Dr Hugh C Kennedy; born September 26, 1913, died August 24, 2005.
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