David CAUGHEY Obituary

No single word can best describe David but those that come to mind include: Decency, honourable, ethical, altruistic, principled, kind, generous and.... incredibly handsome!
As one of the nurses who had worked with David for a very long time said "He was just a lovely man"
I first met David in 1968 as a final year house surgeon and a subsequent career as an orthopaedic surgeon continued those encounters.
The last time was on the plane to Brisbane 4 years or so ago. He had aged somewhat. I stayed with him as we negotiated all the airport stuff then said good bye as Cathy (Was it you Cathy?) the slightly anxious look on her face dissolving as the lovely David Caughey smile lit up his face.
I watched you walk off together.
It was a very happy moment.
Best to you David Caughey
Tim Astley

David ,as a mentor and colleague, you were generous with your wisdom and knowledge. As a physician you were compassionate , principled and and skillful. You have left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. Rest peacefully

David was a wonderful friend to my father Gordon. David also lived nearby me and I would often see him walking his dog after his retirement. We would stop and chat and he was always kind, caring and interested in my life- a real gentleman. You will be missed, Rod

Sincere condolences to Cathy, Nick and Lucy on the passing of your dear father who, along with Elizabeth, were caring and considerate Renown Avenue neighbours for almost 40 years. Arohanui - Adele, Matthew, Brad and Ashleigh

I was privileged to be a patient of David Caughey from 1986 until he retired. My husband Malcolm and I will always be grateful to him for his superb care and kindness and for always being there for us over those years. More recently we have enjoyed re-connecting with David at St Luke's. We will be "present" online at his farewell tomorrow. Thank you David, we will miss you.

David was an exceptional person, a fine colleague and friend.
As a physician he was a pioneer in the care of people with arthritis and rheumatic disease. As a teacher, he was remarkably generous to young physicians-in-training. Many generations of `medical trainees´ have learnt to become responsible and caring physicians by emulating his example, his learning, his manner and attitude towards all who came in need of his care no matter what niche of society they were from.
As a mentor, he had a guiding hand that also created many opportunities for trainees and for me as a foreign-born registrar. For the then new field of Rheumatology, he fostered clinical and research fellowships, academic and consultancy positions in New Zealand, and points of entry to learning from the best specialists internationally.
Over many years, the kindness and gentleness of David and his dear wife Elizabeth graced the Rheumatology fraternity. They are remembered fondly.
Our condolences to his family.
Paul L J Tan FRACP

Dr David Caughey will be remembered as the founding father of rheumatology as a specialist discipline in Auckland. He played a central role in establishing rheumatology services in Auckland, mentored and trained numerous rheumatologists in New Zealand, and served the Auckland region for many years. He made major contributions to the New Zealand Rheumatology Association and the NZ Arthritis Foundation, including the organisation of a telethon which raised a million dollars for the benefit of people living with arthritis. We acknowledge his service and contribution to our specialty and to the people of Tamaki Makaurau. We send our sincere condolences to his family.
Nga mihi nui, Professor Nicola Dalbeth, President, New Zealand Rheumatology Association

David was a good colleague and support especially in my early years at Auckland Hospital as a rather naive geriatrician. I remember of course his quite striking stature and his very characteristic warm smile and kindness. I will never forget that when I was a solo physician and went on study leave, he covered my ward rounds for a whole 6 weeks as well as managing his own busy schedule in rheumatology. Special thoughts for his family.