Le Dr Paddy Linehan est décédé le 29 décembre 2011 à Londres, à l’âge de 87 ans, après de sérieux soucis de santé depuis plus d’un an. Il naquit en avril 1924, exerça comme médecin généraliste dans le centre de Londres, et devint président de la Guilde des Médecins Catholiques anglais, qu’il représenta à la FEAMC. En 1978 à Bombay, il fut élu trésorier de la FIAMC, puis en 1982 à Rome secrétaire Général, enfin en 1986 à Buenos-Aires président. En 1990 à Bonn, il fut réélu président. C’est lui qui créa le bureau permanent de la FIAMC à Rome, Palazzo San Calisto). C’est aussi lui qui créa la revue “Decisions”, dont le numéro 1 parut en juin 1988 (“Journal is a major step forward”), et qui fut financée jusqu’en 1999 par Mr Murdoch. C’est également lui qui recruta Mme Isabelle Biondi, qui, initialement secrétaire, devint rapidement directeur exécutif de la FIAMC. Il collabora étroitement avec Walter Osswald qui fut secrétaire général pendant toute sa période de présidence, avant d’être son successeur. Devenu “past-president” il garda son intérêt pour la FIAMC, et on le revit souvent aux réunions du Comité Exécutif de la FIAMC, pour la dernière fois fin novembre 2010 à Rome.
Il était Chevalier de l’Ordre de St-Grégoire, et Chevalier du St-Sépulcre.
C’était un ancien joueur de rugby, dont il avait le calibre, et il gardait de l’intérêt pour ce sport. Ce fut aussi un grand voyageur, et il fit plusieurs fois le tour du monde. C’est enfin lui qui me recruta comme trésorier de la FIAMC en 1994 à Porto. Il me manifesta une constante amitié depuis. Qu’il repose en paix.
——————
Dr Paddy Linehan died in London on December 29, 2011, at the age of 87 years, after serious health problems for over a year. He was born in April 1924, practiced as a GP in central London, and became president of the English Guild of Catholic Doctors, he represented in FEAMC. In 1978 in Bombay, he was elected treasurer of FIAMC, and in 1982 in Rome Secretary General, then in 1986 in Buenos-Aires president. In 1990 in Bonn, he was reelected as president. He created the permanent office of FIAMC in Rome (Palazzo San Calisto), and the magazine “Decisions”, the first issue of which was published in June 1988 (“Journal is a major step forward”). It was funded until 1999 by Mr. Murdoch. It was also he who recruited Mrs. Isabelle Biondi, who was initially secretary, and became quickly executive director of FIAMC. He worked closely for 8 years with Walter Osswald, who was general secretary throughout his period of presidency, before he became his successor. Become “past-president” he kept his interest in FIAMC, and was often seen at the FIAMC Executive Committee meetings, where he came for the last time in November 2010 in Rome.
He was Knight of St. Gregory, and Knight of the Holy Sepulchre.
He had been a rugby player, and had kept an interest in this sport. He was also a great traveler, and had been several times around the world. Finally, it was he who recruited me as treasurer of the FIAMC in 1994 in Porto. He showed a constant friendship since. May he rest in peace.
Dr. François Blin
Dr. Paddy Linehan (left), Dr. J.Ma. Simón, Dr. Kevin Murrell and Dr. François Blin .................................................. “Jesus is the sun that has risen upon the horizon of humanity to illuminate everyone’s personal existence to lead us all together to the goal of our pilgrimage, to the land of freedom and peace where we will live in full communion with God and each other forever. ”Pope Benedict said on his address before praying the midday Angelus on the feast of the Epiphany. The pilgrimage on earth of Gino and Paddy is now ended and I am so glad and privileged to have been on their way during FIAMC recent history. I am grateful to Paddy to have called me to work for FIAMC, and it was so a pleasure to seeing him and Gino during the different occasions and FIAMC meetings. While reading the announcement of the both passing away , so many memories are arising, maybe the common one is the smile and certainly the fidelity to the Catholic Church. Two great Catholic doctors and two very important persons for FIAMC and Catholic health have leaved us but now in the light of God. My condolence to FIAMC and to their families. R.I.P. Isabelle Biondi .................................................. Thomas Patrick LINEHAN On 29th December 2011, peacefully at the Hospital of St. John & St. Elizabeth,London, NW8. Dr. Thomas Patrick “Paddy” Linehan MD, FRCGP, DCH, KCSG, KC*HS, aged 87 years. Requiem Mass at the Church of St. James, Spanish Place,George Street, London W1U 3QY on Thursday 19th January at 11am. May he restin peace. No flowers, but donations if desired in favour of the Knights of the HolySepulchre or the Friends of the Holy Land (both registered charities) c/o A France &Son, 45 Lamb’s Conduit Street, London, WC1N 3NH. All enquiries Tel: 020 74054901. Published in The Times on January 10, 2012
