Air Vice-Marshal Ronald James Arthur Morris CB, MB, ChB, MFCM, DPH; born November 27, 1915, died June 10, 2000

Born in Ladybank, Fife, Air Vice-Marshall Morris spent a

distinguished career, spanning 38 years with the Royal Air Force, most of it with its medical service.

Following his secondary-school education at Madras

College in St Andrews, he went on to study medicine at St Andrews University.

In 1937 he began pilot training with the RAF and on the outbreak of the Second World War was

transferred to the service's medical unit. He served with the

medical service in Burma and India. It was also during this period in his career that he met his first wife, Mary, who was working with Churchill's staff.

At the end of the war, AVM Morris remained with the

RAF's medical service and had spells of duty in the US, France, and Singapore.

His career reached a climax in 1971 when he was promoted to Air Vice-Marshal. He served for several years at RAF Strike Command at High Wycombe and also enjoyed a spell as the Queen's honorary surgeon. He retired in 1975 and returned to live in St Andrews.

A keen golfer, he was a member of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, St Andrews, joining in 1977, and was also a member of St Andrews New Golf Club. He served for a time as a

member of St Andrews Links Management Committee which oversees the world-famous courses in St Andrews.

He was also involved in charity work through his role as commander in the Order of St John.

His first wife died in 1991. He was remarried in 1996 to Myra. He is survived by Myra and three children from his first marriage, Sandra, Fiona, and Duncan, and six grandchildren.

Douglas Miller