Obituary Mr Gwyn Evans

Gwyn Amman Evans was an eminent children’s and adult orthopaedic surgeon at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, and the Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

For anyone who met Gwyn, the lasting memory will be of his kindness, modesty, good humour and humanity. For anyone that worked with him, the memory will also include his surgical skill, knowledge and diligent teaching. There are innumerable children, now adults, who owe him a debt of gratitude.

Gwyn was born the son of a minister in North Wales, but the family then moving to Swansea. His religious conviction stayed with him throughout life.  Gwyn studied medicine at St Bartholomew’s in London, qualifying in 1967. He impressed the Dean of the Medical school and became his surgical house officer. Training posts followed in Birmingham, London, Cardiff and then to the Oswestry rotation in 1974.  A fellowship in Newington Childrens Hospital Connecticut completed his training. Upon his return to Oswestry, he was ushered into a consultant Childrens orthopaedic post. This commenced in 1980, along with sessions in the Wrexham Maelor Hospital where he treated adults.

In 1984, he was awarded the ABC travelling fellowship.

He held clinics in Bangor, North Wales, and as a proud Welshman was able to “siarad Cymraeg” to his patients.

Gwyn then retired in 2004, but worked part time for another 5 years.

During his career, he established a progressive Childrens unit, introducing the skills and knowledge from his training. He inspired many generations of surgeons with his knowledge and teaching, emphasising the importance of principles when managing complex problems. He became recognised for his abilities and lectured across the world.

Gwyn was fearless in his convictions, and closed a Childrens ward upon commencing his consultant post, as long term traction for various conditions was abandoned and the children were liberated!

His commitment to teaching and training was exemplified by posts as Royal College Tutor, Regional speciality advisor, Postgraduate clinical tutor for the West Midlands , EPOS council, BOA council member and President of the Welsh Orthopaedic Society. In the clinic, ward or theatre, he would happily teach doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and anyone who would listen!

None of these extensive achievements would have been possible without the support of his wife Mary, a nurse, horse enthusiast and farmer. Gwyn knew that at work he may be a hero, but at home he was a farm hand!

Retirement did not lead to a quiet life. From 2004 onwards he worked at the Gordon Roberts Hospital in Shillong, Inida, and the Beit Cure Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi. Mary accompanied him for these trips, and they raised funds for a generator and an intensive care unit. Later, Gwyn used his skills as a volunteer for the local Citizens advice Bureau.

He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 4 years ago, but remarkably maintained good health until a few months before his death. His mind was as sharp as ever to the end.

The British Society for Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery have announced a travelling fellowship,  and the Welsh Orthopaedic Society will have an eponymous lecture in his name.

Gwyn will be remembered in our hearts, and the knowledge he has imparted will forever endure.

Our condolences to  Mary, and their children Alys, Sian and Owen and grandchildren.