Former general practitioner Knightsbridge, London (b London 1920; q Cambridge/St Mary's 1946), d 25 December 2001. 
After serving as a surgeon lieutenant with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in the Far East, he took over a singlehanded NHS practice in central London, alongside which he developed a flourishing private practice. He expected to provide total care for his patients. On one occasion he was sent for by a frightened elderly lady and asked to sack her cook, which he did with sensitivity and without flinching. He was a splendid raconteur, and loud gusts of laughter could regularly be heard coming from his consulting room. On one famous morning a call came through: “Tell Dr Abel not to come today; I'm feeling far to ill to see him.” A keen fisherman, he would joyfully delineate the huge dimensions of the ones that got away, which so far as we could gather they usually did. He leaves a wife, Liz; four children; and seven grandchildren. A service of thanksgiving will take place at St James's Church, Piccadilly, at 11.30 am on Thursday 21 March. Those wishing to join the family afterwards are requested to telephone 01725 518423.
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