The obituary notice of Robert John Obe GRAHAM

Mr Graham (as he was always known to me) was the person who appointed me to the Dean’s Office in 1984. I worked closely with him for many years and I found him to be a very special man. His administrative skills were second to none. In those days documents for typing were handwritten and Mr Graham’s drafts were works of art with writing on every bit of space and extra bits stapled on for insertion. It was definitely a challenge but great training at the same time. Work was fun back then and he had an open door policy which led to an all day social event! His memory was phenomenal - we almost didn’t need a filing system. He was very proud of his involvement with the development of the Medical School and even in his 80s he was helping in the University’s archives, providing information to fill gaps they had about the lead up to and the commissioning of the building. He was one of life’s true gentlemen and I will miss him very much.

Ann Marshall

Bob Graham was the second person I met at Nottingham Medical School when I went for my interview in 1970. At the time he said he very much admired students wanting to come to the first new Medical School whose degree had not even been recognised by the GMC. He was a key figure in its foundation and without doubt his skilful administration played a part in its successful recognition 5 years later, for which we were all very grateful.
Bob was always approachable and kind. All the staff, students and later on our patients all greatly benefitted from having had the right man in the right place at the right time.

On the photo taken at the start of the clinical course May 1973, Bob is typically smiling on the front row, 6th from the left.

Robert will be remembered with great affection by myself and my husband Dave.
We spent many happy times together when Robert was Chair of the Nottingham Friends of Home Farm Trust and we were on the fundraising committee with him.
May he now rest peacefully.

Robert was an absolute delight and a huge support to me together with Jean and John following the death of both my parents in a RTA. He followed my career closely at the University of Nottingham and I will always be indebted to him and his family. He was extremely proud of Nottingham University Medical School. Rest in peace Robert, love and thanks for all your support Nic xxx

Robert was the first person appointed to the new Nottingham Medical School in the late 60s and went on to play a central role until his retirement in the 90s. He had rare diplomatic skills, bringing the NHS and University together in the crucial early years and skilfully managing the hostility of the General Medical Council to new-fangled ideas. He was also probably the only person who truly knew his way around the Queen’s Medical Centre, having been deeply involved in its commissioning! Robert was a delightful and remarkable person who was liked and respected in equal measure. Sir Peter Rubin