The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow is deeply saddened to receive the news that our Honorary Fellow, Sir Kenneth Calman, passed away earlier this week.
Sir Kenneth’s family confirmed he died peacefully on Monday 21 July at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow following a short illness.
Sir Kenneth Calman
Sir Kenneth was appointed as Chief Medical Officer for Scotland in 1989 before becoming Chief Medical Officer for England from 1991–1998. He was then appointed Warden and Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, a post he held between 1998–2007, before becoming the Chancellor of the University of Glasgow from 2006–2020.
Professor Hany Eteiba, President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, said: "As a College community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sir Kenneth Calman.
"He made a major contribution to medicine, higher education and public life. He was known and warmly appreciated by so many for his kindness, as well as for his intellect and diplomacy. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
Sir Kenneth was born in Glasgow in 1941 and was a pupil at Allan Glen’s School before studying at the University of Glasgow. He worked in vascular and transplant surgery, and was a Professor of Oncology at the University of Glasgow. In 2009, he led the Calman Commission review of the Scottish Parliament which suggested extending Holyrood’s powers.
Sir Kenneth was knighted in 1996. He was made an Honorary Fellow of the College in October 2005.