Des GORMAN Obituary

Condolences to Christine and family on the passing of Des. Fond memories of your time in Australia at SUM Sydney. RIP Des.

Des you were an inspiration and great leader to our medical profession, clarity of mind and expression of ideas which we have benefited on where people have listened and taken notice. I appreciated our time at the Devonport Naval Hospital and the benefits of your advice. Thank you. We are poorer without you and I trust others will step into your shoes. Charles

What a sad loss! Des was brilliant, charismatic, witty, empathic, generous, incredibly dynamic and a mentor to many. He's left behind a rich legacy and will be greatly missed.

Sincerely condolences to his family.

John Lippmann

Our sincere condolences to all of Des´s family and friends.
We have lost one of the great pioneers in diving medicine.
Des is remembered for his amazing support of many clinicians training in the field, his critical thinking and his unwavering support of diving medicine as a specialty.
He will be missed.
Greg van der Hulst on behalf of the Hyperbaric Medicine Unit, Christchurch.

Sending aroha to your whanau Des. Thank you for the wisdom and leadership you shared with so many of us and your unwavering dedication to improving our health system x

I met Des only in recent years but was struck by the clarity of his thinking and his powerful and persuasive expression of his views. His prescient opinions on Covid showed his foresight and deep understanding of the situation both from a medical perspective and from a broad perspective that was missing from the celebrity expert opinions.

It's a very sad time for all who knew this wonderful man. The world is a lesser place without Des in it. We can never thank him enough for the life changing help he gave to some of our family and friends as a result of his deep compassion, outstanding intellect and thorough knowledge of the practice of medicine. He was a true physician. We were privileged to know him and enjoy his unique wit and have special memories of time spent with him. Christine, our very deepest sympathy to you and your family for the loss of your unforgettable and outstanding husband, father and grandfather. May your memories help console you in the coming days.

Met Des at his rooms following referral by insurance company after an illness.

Des was professional, empathetic and ensured i received the care and support
that may have not been forthcoming otherwise from my insurance company.
R.I.P

Condolences to all the family .. I had the privilege to meet Des many many years ago through the diving community in Auckland . So much respect for all he did for diving and diving medicine .. and how generous he was with his knowledge..

I played rugby league with Des for University in about 1971. He was quiet and respectful and I remember him fondly. I received the rugby league photo from his whanau with details last weekend that he had passed. These days I live up north and had hoped to go to Auckland today to pay my respects. Unfortunately, I'm not great these days and was unable to travel from Ruakaka to farewell Des today. My respect and best wishes to his family. I wa indeed honored to share time with Des.

I'm so very sad to hear about Des. He was a inspirational and knowledgeable teacher when I was doing my Hyperbaric Medicine Studies in Australia and made a huge contribution in the field of Dive Medicine. With deep respect. Glenda Barber

Very sad Des, condolences to Christine and the family. I worked with Des at OccMed and the uni, he was a great mentor to me and will never forget that cheeky smile.

Deepest condolences to Christine and family. Des was pivotal in influencing my early career in Medicine, from entry to medical school to encouraging me into go into skin cancer work. I have many fond memories of Des at numerous dive trips with SPUMS.
Nikki Blomfield (nee Heron)

Ka tangi te titi,
ka tangi te kaka,
ka tangi hoki ahau
Ti hei wa mauri ora.

In memory of our `brother´
Des Gorman.
In his medical school days, Des organised many diving trips to Tutukaka and the Poor Knights. On those trips he always took the same charter launch which began a friendship with Eric and Mikki Wellington from Tutukaka, which lasted for the rest of their lives. Mum and Dad often referred to Des as their 3rd son. We had many great evenings with Des and Christine, playing trivial pursuit or the game of the day, laughing with Des´ very quick wit and crazy sense of humour and Christine´s intoxicating effervesence.
We will always cherish Des´ memory for the care he gave to our parents as they aged, for his personal love and medical expertise and for answering our Mum´s many questions. Des was our personal medical advisor and his korero to the nation when his advise was sought was reassuring and honest.
Ki te Rangatira ma, Moe mai, moe mai, moe mai ra. Arohanui.
To Christine, Anna, Sarah, Emily, and families, we love you. Always remember how happy Mum and Dad were that you enjoy your home in Tutukaka so much
From your `family´,friends and neighbours in Tutukaka, Erica, Phil, Gayle. Paulette, Carol and Keith. Love and care.

Sincere condolences to the family for your great loss.

Indeed New Zealand has lost a fine man who could speak with clarity , conviction, and clarity in the midst of the chaos and confusion of health issues . He could articulate wisdom and sanity . There have been few of his stature in the areas he sort to teach and guide.

We all mourn the loss.

I remember meeting Des at when he was teaching the Hyperbaric Medicine course at RNZNH in 1988. It was the most engaging course I have ever attended, full of humour and stories but with a deep understanding of the subject.
A great intellect and big personality. Much Aroha to Christine and the girls.
I'm sorry I am unable to attend the funeral to pay my last respects to a great man and doctor.

I only knew Prof' Des Gorman from his TV interviews.
But wanted to voice my gratitude to him/for him and to his family.
He was the much needed steady voice of reason with the ability to cut through any clutter and summarise the correct information.
He spoke with honesty, clarity and integrity.
His immense intelligence was clear to see, with great judgement and perspective on any situation.
I enjoyed his candour, caring nature, quick wit and smile.
I believe he most likely out thought many, but it was only his humility that showed.
N.Z has lost a truly great New Zealander with Des' passing. And I hope you don't mind that I wanted to express and acknowledge, mine, my family and many others I know, our heartfelt gratitude to and for the wonderful Prof' Des Gorman.
Sending sincere condolences to his family and those who knew him best.
With the greatest respect, Donna from Mt Maunganui.

Sending condolences from cousin Warren in Australia . I hold fond memories of his time living in Australia with Christine and the girls in the 1980´s and the family time we got to spend together. Good times that are treasured xo

Like so many others I have Des to thank for where I'm at now in my career. He was passionate and fearless about improving health and health workforce, while always taking the time to support, mentor and advise. We are very lucky to have had his vision and leadership, and the legacy he leaves. Aroha and strength to all the Gorman family. RIP Des and thank you.

Thank you Des and to your family for sharing you with us.
Your contribution to NZ will go on; your contributions are immeasurable and those people you mentored and guided will carry on your legacy.
We will miss you

Des, what an inspiration, a true humanitarian through the work he contributed to medicine, what a fighter. You will be sadly missed in this world. This is a sad time for your dearest Christine and your beloved family. I hope Des's cheeky sense of humour is always remembered as that is what was so likeable when you started dating Christine and always shone through with friends and those who challenged him like my 4 year old daughter. God Speed Des

Remembered with huge respect and appreciation for your contribution to health and our community. Your courage to speak out, to challenge and remain focused on what mattered has been influential. He oranga pai. Ki Taku Awa.kia okioki ia i runga i te rangimarie

My deepest condolences to all of Des Gormans family and friends
I had the privilege of working with Des on the Health Workforce Board and he was an excellent leader, mentor, teacher and health care advocate. He will be greatly missed by many. RIP

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Des Gourman, a pioneer in diving medicine and a true role model. I was fortunate to learn from him, and his guidance and character left a lasting impact on me.

We will always remember him with respect and gratitude.

Please accept these sincere condolences from Oman, with prayers for peace and comfort to his family and loved ones

I was deeply saddened to hear of Des´s passing. I had the privilege of meeting him during my interview for medical school, and his warmth, kindness, and encouragement left a lasting impression on me. I´ll always be grateful for that.

Des mentored and encouraged me to start medical school. I am now 6 months away from becoming a doctor and feel I have Des to thank. Thank you for believing in me Des at a time it mattered most. Best wishes to all family.

Des will be missed by many across the globe. His intellect, wit, and charisma were boundless. I will be forever grateful for all I learned about health workforce planning and policy from him and thankful for the opportunity to work with Health Workforce New Zealand. My deepest condolences to his whanau.
Erin Fraher

I'm deeply saddened to hear of Des' passing.
I knew Des, from the early 2000's as a client, though he became much more than this and in later years I considered him a friend.
He always exhibited a joyful and humourous approach to life and I enjoyed his intelligent insights in a variety of topics, during our chats.
I know that he'll be sorely missed by many, as he touched so many life's throughout his time with us.
My thoughts are with Christine and family, and his colleagues.
I true gentleman in every sense.

RIP Des, what a loss to the Medical Community. You had a dry sense of humor
and we shared many laughs on the University H&S Committee over the years.

My heartfelt condolences. RIP.

I am so sorry that Des has left us all. My heartfelt condolences to all his family. Hopefully he is in a better place and not in pain.

So sorry to hear of Des´ passing, I grew to admire him through his honesty, sincerity and intellect. His courage in speaking the truth during the Ardern regime was a ray of light for me. A truly great man. Condolences to the family.

To my brother and life-long friend of 40 years Des- "the light twin", thank you for the many happy life and work memories spent together across the world, enjoying time together above and underwater over the years. Thank you for your inspirational intellect, sense of humor, loyalty, and balanced perspective, all shall be missed dearly. Deepest condolences to Christine, Anna, Sarah and Emily and family whom he loved dearly and was blessed by the depth of your love in return.

John A. Holmes, a professor at Tufts, wrote a poem titled Death this Year which resonated with me decades ago . I believe that it encapsulates how difficult it is to process the passing of the handful of close and dear friends and family that we dearly love and are blessed with in our lives. Des Gorman was one such iconic human being.

I'd like to share it here:

Death this year

Death this year has taken men

Whose kind we shall not see again.

Pride and skill and friendliness,

Wrath and wisdom and delight,

Are shining still, but shining less,

And clouded to the common sight.

Time will show them clear again.

Time will give us other men

With names to write in burning gold

When they are great and we are old,

But these were royal-hearted, rare.

Memory keeps with loving care

Deeds they did and tales they told.

But living men are hard to spare.

Des Gorman was indeed royal-hearted and rare, and so very hard to spare.

Sincerely,

Drew Richardson , "the dark twin", and family

Our family has been deeply saddened by the news of Des´s death. Our thoughts are with Christine, Anna, Sarah, Emily and their families. Too much to put in to words. So much has been lost. So much will be missed.

Des a friend, a colleague on the ACC board, and a mentor to my daughter becoming a doctor. Intelligent, caring and fun. A great New Zealander.

My condolences to you all. Didn't know him all that well, but my sister did through the diving fraternity. The family lived around the corner from us in Otahuhu. RIP Des

A great man.Was so supportive for my husband going through long covid. His kindness and understanding was so special. Sorry to hear this news will be missed.

Dear Christine and Family, May the love of those around you provide comfort and peace.
My sincere condolences at the loss of your beloved husband, father, grandfather. With heartfelt sympathy, Angela Heron, SPUMS participant.

Des was an amazing academic teacher and mentor. I was fortunate enough to work with him on several projects and always admired his knowledge, sheer intellect and wisdom. A huge loss to the health ecosystem. Sincere condolences to the Gorman family.

Kua hinga te totara o Te Waonui a Tane - A mighty Totara tree from the forest of Tane has fallen. A great honor to have worked with Des who was thoughtful, humorous, and collaborative. His unique leadership was always driven by a passion for better outcomes. A huge legacy that his whanau can be proud of.

I'm so sorry to hear of Des's passing and my deepest condolences to Des's whanau. I had the privilege of working with him on a number of occasions over the years, the final time at Health Workforce New Zealand, until its disestablishment.
A true public servant will give free and frank advice without fear or favour, with courage and an honest commitment to serving the people and the government of the day. It involves working with integrity, giving the best advice, supported by the most solid evidence available. That requires courage and at times, personal sacrifice. As not many will stick their head above the parapet, especially when that advice may not always be what others want to hear. Des never faltered.
Des was brilliant, innovative, visionary and colourful. His knowledge and expertise of health workforce was second to none. As was his generosity of spirit and his commitment to growing and supporting others. He and his vision will be truly missed, but hopefully not lost. My thanks to a supportive mentor and a courageous public servant.

Whaia te iti kahurangi ki te tuohu koe he maunga teitei - Seek the treasure you value most dearly, if you bow your head - let it be before a lofty mountain.

Rest in peace Des.

Fearless and highly respected colleague.

As a colleague at the National Health Board in the 2010s Des chaired the workforce programme and was a powerful force for great outcomes. While driven by data and evidence, his passion was people and building lasting relationships that mattered. Humble, strong, charismatic, and so many more special traits, Des has achieved so much and yet stayed young at heart. Kia kaha Des, you will live long in all our memories...now is your time to rest and stay close to your family in Milford, Graeme xxoo

Condolences to Des' whanau. What a lovely man, and what a huge contribution to health. It was a pleasure and honour to have known Des.

Known Des since we were both 5 yrs old. He was always the smartest man in the room. Never arrogant with it his legacy will be what he has contributed to us all.
To have known Des is to now miss him.

With over 40 years of memories in two countries, Des has held my admiration as a scholar, a sportsman, a humanitarian and a friend. To Chrissie and the family sincere condolances from Bernadette and me.

It was truly a privilege to know Des. A true academic and the best specialist who went way above and beyond what was required helping us in our time of need. A great loss for New Zealand and the Medical Profession

Feeling so fortunate to have worked with Des and hold our deep friendship close to my heart. Arohanui. Sending massive love to his family.

I have had the privilege of knowing Des since 2005. Over the years, I have learned a great deal from him. He was a great mentor. Rest in peace, Des.

VALE Prof
Thanks for your personal supports and advice way back
And your care and concerns for the health of workers and doctors and the systems we work in

Strength and thoughts to your family at this time

Des was an extraordinary leader and mentor. His vision and guidance opened my eyes to the global scale. It is deeply saddening that he is no longer with us.
He was truly a giant, and his legacy will continue to inspire.
Thank you for being with us, Des.
Emmanuel Jo

Des was a staunch advocate for positive changes in the health sector. He was always clear with his views on the healthcare system, although not everyone may agree with him, he was always up for a great debate. Sending our deepest condolences and prayers to Des' family. Arohanui and may he rest in peace.

Thank you to Professor Gorman for his important contribution to public life in New Zealand and for his interviews on the Platform media. Sending love and condolences to Des's family. May he rest in eternal peace.

Our loving thoughts are with you Christine and your family. Was so sad to hear this news. Des was a kind, clever and humble man...a true gentleman. Will never forget the lovely night we had with my Dad.
A true legend xx

So sorry to hear of his passing. A wonderful man. I learnt so much from him in my role in Health and Safety at the Fire Service
Thoughts to his family

Condolences to the Gorman family and friends. I had the privilege of meeting Des on leadership courses run in Australia. Learnt so much from Prof Gorman, whilst also having so much fun - a great man with a sharp wit! Rest in peace, Des.

Des was our chairman on the Toxicology Panel for over 25 years. I had the privilege of being there with him over the last five years. I thank you Des for your leadership, humanity, grace and humour. We will miss you very deeply.

May God Bless you on your journey and give strength to your family to carry on without you here.
I never knew you well but admired you from afar.
R.I.P.

I meet Des in Adelaide in 1987 at the Burnside Rugby Club. We formed a formidable partnership as the first grade coaches. Des always told the players how good he was as a player and me - well I´ll say no more about that.
So formidable was our coaching that we won everything we could however lost all 3 1st Grade Grand Finals we played in. As Des said - it was the players fault Kirkie not our coaching - hmmmm
Des was an outstanding man loved and respected by all the players and supporters.
I often talk about those days as if they were yesterday.
Thanks for the fun times and memories Des. They will live with me forever.
To Christine and the family be very very proud of your husband and father. He was a great man who I greatly regret losing contact with over the years. Des RIP coach.

Des sought excellence in his practice and cared deeply about the well-being of his patients. He was a dedicated, influential occupational physician of great integrity, and he will be deeply missed.
It won´t be long before I join you, Des. Thank you for your lasting influence.

If it were not for Des and an unexpected motivating phone call from him, I would not have ended up in occupational medicine. As one of my first teachers/tutors, I owe him a lot. I have a lot to thank him for. My sympathies and thoughts for his family and all those close to him.

Des, you walked a very long health journey with me over many years, as we confronted tropic Diseases from Africa and Asia. Your enduring patience, inquisitiveness, tenacity and humour kept me alive. Thank you from the depths of my heart.

So sad to hear this sad news. Des is such a wonderful man who will be missed by many. Sending our love & condolences to Christine & family. May Des Rest In Love Light & Peace.....Keith Wellington & Tanya xxx

...Des was a wonderfully immaculate house guest in the Tuki Valley Hawkes Bay. He did incredible work with my husband John Gifford on Carpal Tunnel. Sending my condolences to Christine and family.

So very sad to hear this news. Des was a wonderful person with such an amazing intellect and talented commentator on so many issues. Always keen to engage and provide a well thought through perspective. An amazing contribution to many dimensions of the health system over so many years. Many fond memories of our catch ups in Tutukaka. Thoughts and best wishes to the whanau.

Emeritus Professor Des Gorman (Ngati Kuri and Ngapuhi) was a titan in so many areas and a veteran with service in Royal Australian Navy as a submariner and navy diver. Neither are easy jobs. He has several hundred academic publications (again, not easy work), in dive medicine, occupational medicine and all sorts of other areas.
He was a straight shooter, crystal clear thinker and such a nice guy, high respected by anyone who dealt with him. My condolences to his family, friends, colleagues.
His loss will felt across the world.

Great guy. Committed to Health. Dedicated to improving system´s processes and above all the people. A privilege to have worked with him. A significant loss to the Health sector. RIP Des.

My condolences to all of Des´ family and friends. Des and I shared many memorable times together in the Diving Branch of the Royal Australian Navy and then on attachment to the Canadian Navy and followed by service in the Sultan of Oman´s Navy. He was a good friend and shipmate. His expertise and advice will be greatly missed in the diving fraternity.

Des was one of the smartest, funniest, nicest colleagues I have ever worked with. Kua hinga te totara i te wao nui a Tane. A totara has fallen in the forest of Tane. Moe mai ra e te rangatira.

Des I am very sad to hear of your passing. You are one of Auckland's great academic physicians and were always a strong supporter of the Waikato Clinical School. Requiescat in pace.

Des's contribution to the health system over many years is incalculable; he will be missed by all. With deepest condolences to his whanau who are facing such a loss.

I got to know Des when I was the Health Correspondent for Radio New Zealand from 2005-2019. We´d meet from time to time to discuss various issues, such as the workforce. He was always honest, approachable, knowledgeable, kind and friendly. His insights were valuable. I am deeply saddened about his passing and extend my sincere condolences to his family.

What a wonderful, knowledgeable man, who held to his convictions through those covid years and spoke the truth with clarity and wisdom. Thank you sir.

So sorry to hear that Des has passed. An inspirational doctor and leader never afraid to speak his mind. I didn't know him at medical school (he was a little behind me) but he was a valued colleague from when I first became an academic in 2001, and a champion for primary care. My most sincere condolences to his family.

A great New Zealander

Our condolences to Christine and all the family...was a pleasure to know Des as he entertained us many a time while they were at their second home at the beach..will be sadly missed.
An amazing man.

Remembering the great times we spent with Des and the family. He had a right to party!

To The late family of Des Gorman.so sad to hear the news of Des passing.our hearts go out to yous all.All his relatives.R.I.P Des Gorman well done to you.for all the good work you done for many people.you will be well missed and remembered by many people here in New Zealand.Thanks for sharing Des Gorman your knowledge and wisdom .R.I.P

Thanks for the many memories and laughs Des. You brought uniqueness to our Monash/Harvard Macy course. Many learned a great deal from you, as did I. Condolences to Christine and your children and grandchildren. You will be very missed by all.

A true honour to have met this man and he will be missed by our diving industry in NZ and the world wide , thank you sir for all you have done for many, RIP Professor Gorman ( Des )

Des could inspire and motivate even the most apathetic in OSH incentives. During his lectures and public speaking you could hear a pin drop, RIP great man.

A wonderful leader of the Health Science faculty whose teachings set me on a diverse road to success in another field. He was cross about that. Thank you Des and deepest sympathy to your family and all those you touched with your enthusiasm and wisdom. Too soon Des, much too soon.

Des you lead the way in occupational helath, you inspired, championed, challenged all. You made a difference personally and professionally. With sadness,
RIP Wendy spence Occ health nurse

Heartfelt thanks Des for your humanity, humility, humour and intellect over many fascinating conversations on and off air. You spread much light and understanding in the world.

My condolences and sincere sympathy to you Christine, Anna, Sarah and Emily. Des has made a major contribution to the health sector. I am so sorry for your loss. May he Rest in Peace.

There are too many words that could be used to describe the life, personality and achievements of Des, but I am utterly privileged to have been able to call him friend.

Des, Thank you for your wisdom, support, and friendship over the years. From our very first meeting to our last text message in March this year, you remain resolute on our shared mission, a better New Zealand health system. Rest easy, Des, until next time.
Chai Chuah, former Director General of Health.

Prof Gorman you were an inspiration to me, and to countless medical students. Your clarity of thought, fierce moral ambition, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others has always been a beacon for us. We echo your words at the passing of your mentor Sir John Scott when you said, "A great kauri has fallen". Rest in Peace Prof Gorman.

A very sad day for New Zealand with the passing away of such a great man who was always at the forefront in trying to improve the Health outcomes for all New Zealanders in New Zealand. He was never frightened to speak his mind and always spoke with common sense and with great courage of his convictions. A very sad day for New Zealand with his passing

Dear Christine and the greater family. Des is at rest now and I find it hard to believe he has gone so soon. I enjoyed working with Des on his research into Divers medicals. We had some interesting discussions and his work will certainly be carried on by others. Take Care. Regards Geoff Cooper

Deepest sympathy and love to Christine, Anna, Sarah and Emily.

My deepest sympathy and thoughts are with you Christine and Anna, Sarah and Emily. Des was a 'force of nature' and will be greatly missed by the many people whose lives he impacted for the better. I always found him very generous with his time, witty and stimulating. He leaves an impressive legacy in the medical world.

Thank you for your service. Katherine Auckland

Arohanui xx

So sorry to hear about Des. Love to you all. Paulette Wellington

Condolences to Christine and family,
Des was a respected leader and friend whilst he served in the Royal NZ Navy. His contribution to the 'Navy Medic' trade and Hyperbaric Medicine was immense.
RIP Des