Arthur Maclagan Kingon

Consultant physician and geriatrician Weston-super-Mare 1968-85 (b 1920; q London 1951; FRCP), d 12 December 2004.

Arthur Kingon singlehandedly developed a fine geriatric service centred on Weston-super-Mare. He managed hundreds of beds and was the driving force behind at least four day facilities and a respite care service. Born in South Africa, he had become a lay preacher by the age of 16. A banking career was interrupted by the second world war, when he served as a pilot in the South African airforce. He landed his burning Boston bomber behind enemy lines to save his gunners (for this he was awarded the MBE). Captured, he was a prisoner of war in Italy; he escaped, but after recapture was imprisoned in northern Germany. After the war, intolerant of apartheid, he made England his home, trained at Guy's, and joined the Royal Air Force as a medical officer. After 16 years' service he left to train in geriatric medicine. He leaves a wife, Margery; two sons; and four granddaughters.