In memory: Thank you Dr Bill Ramsay for your godly witness

A Memoir By Dr Ken Clezy

Bill Ramsay was a young Melbourne surgeon recruited by The Leprosy Mission to head their work in the southern highlands of Papua New Guinea, based in a purpose-built unit at Tari, and in particular to be responsible for reconstructive surgery.

He, his wife Robin, also a medical doctor, and their team of three nurses and a physiotherapist were trained at the fountainhead, the Schieffelin Leprosy Research and Training Centre at Karigiri, South India, and went to Papua New Guinea in 1966.

Bill quickly established a fine inpatient unit and was able to take over a substantial share of the work done by the stretched government leprosy service in the highlands. The Ramsays moved to Mendi in 1968 as more surgery was needed there. When I moved to Port Moresby in 1970, Bill took over the work in Madang, where as well as doing leprosy surgery he functioned as a general surgeon and went on the government payroll. Bill and Robin returned to Melbourne in 1972.

The Ramsays were a notably gracious and godly couple who were outstanding witnesses to their Lord and highly valued, respected members of Christian communities wherever they lived.

Bill bore the illness that plagued him for his last decade with mature spiritual equipoise. He displayed God’s peace rather than exasperation when he could no longer tend his beloved garden at Turley. I have precious memories of breakfasts with Bill and Robin, with magpies coming to be fed at their kitchen window, a stone’s throw from the Yarra river in Templestowe, Victoria.

We must rejoice that Bill has gone to his reward and thank God that Robin has fine family support. Please pray for Robin and family.

Please continue to pray for people affected by leprosy in Papua New Guinea. Pray for diagnosis and early treatment so patients avoid permanent damage or disability