Remembering Dr Michael Willoughby AM
On Tuesday 23 June, Dr Michael Willoughby AM sadly passed away at his home at the age of 92.
Dr Willoughby is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Fiona; his sons Jonathan, James, and Henry; daughters-in-law Coraline, Thu, and Lucy; and grandchildren Thomas, August, Inigo, Jasmine, Massimo, Elodie, and Aidan.
Dr Willoughby was an incredible doctor and a pioneer in bone marrow transplants. He was the head of Oncology at Princess Margaret Hospital when our Chairman, Geoff Cattach’s son Brent needed a bone-marrow transplant.
“He said if we don’t go now, we may never get this chance again,” remembers Geoff. ‘My son wouldn’t be alive today, if he hadn’t,” said Geoff.
A true talent, the chance to work with Dr Willoughby had been one of the major factors that lured Professor Ursula Kees to Perth.
“We lose a visionary, years ahead of his time,” said Professor Kees. “The children in Western Australia had the best and most cutting-edge treatments.”
On behalf of The Foundation, we would like to express our heartfelt condolences to Dr Willoughby’s family. He was an incredible man and we will never forget the important work he did for the children of Western Australia.
Rest in peace.
Dr Michael Willoughby AM (4/8/1927 – 23/6/2020)