Michael Winterton, retired consultant respiratory physician, died peacefully at home on 27 February 2025.
Born in Leicester in 1935 he joined LGS in 1944 and in addition to his considerable academic success was keen on playing rugby, tennis and track events, achieving the coveted ‘Victor Ludorum’ cup during his later years at the School.
Michael had always expressed a great interest in the natural world and it was very fitting that he should be selected to join a party of 80 boys from schools all over Britain in an expedition to British Columbia as organised by the British Schools Exploring Society in 1953. It was during this time in Canada that Michael realised his calling in life was to become a Doctor of medicine.
He trained at King’s College London, qualifying in 1959, following which he worked initially in London, until he was appointed as consultant respiratory physician in Cornwall. He worked at Tehidy chest hospital, until it was (regrettably) closed, and Treliske hospital, where he worked in the respiratory department until his retirement in 2000.
He was passionate about his work, going to great lengths to improve the outcome for his patients. He was highly regarded and respected by his colleagues. He was an excellent clinical teacher, and thoroughly enjoyed his involvement with medical students and junior doctors.
Away from work Michael loved classical music, and had wide ranging tastes. Sadly his passion for sport left no time to learn a musical instrument, but he had been a chorister at his local church. He was a keen skier, which he continued until his late 70s, and played tennis regularly until his final illness.
He enjoyed living in the Cornish countryside, collecting and restoring furniture with mixed success, and enjoying sharing food and wine with friends and family.
He married Liz (also a doctor) in 1974, and was a proud and loving father and grandfather. He is survived by Liz, his three daughters Helen, Sarah and Kate, his son Charles, and eight grandchildren.
A kind hearted, friendly man who will be very much missed by everyone who knew him.
