Francis Xavier Micallef, fondly known as Saverin, has been to me a mentor, a teacher and a colleague; generally someone to look up to, almost a father in professional circles.

He and his dear wife, Nanette, were there when we were in trouble providing both job and hospitality in England when these were needed most.

My first encounter with Saverin was at St Luke’s Hospital when he practised as senior medical casualty officer. I was a trainee at the time. He certainly had an important influence on my practice of emergency medical care.

Shortly after, he was appointed consultant anaesthetist at St Luke’s and university lecturer, bringing a breath of fresh air to the speciality at the time. His will to train young anaesthetists had encouraged me immensely. This culminated in my being appointed, in 1975, to be his colleague as consultant. This was a rewarding experience.

Saverin was influenced by two renowned centres of anaesthesia and intensive care – Copenhagen and Liverpool – not to the exclusion of other centres.

He practised in what was then Malaya with at least one great personality in anaesthesia, John Nunn of Leeds Royal Infirmary and, later, of The Northwick Park Hospital in London.

Prof. Nunn is well known for his expertise and publications on respiratory physiology, one of the most important yet difficult subjects in our speciality.

Saverin had left Malta in 1977 under worse circumstances than we did; one of his sons needed treatment abroad. He and Nanette were certainly having a difficult time and we also somehow lived through that episode.

His later travels took him to hospitals in Riyadh, Chertsey and Ashford in Kent. The latter is an extensive district which is a busy section of the NHS in UK. I worked his job as locum for three months. Saverin was highly regarded. He placed his full trust in me. This was instrumental in my success in acquiring my permanent consultant position in UK.

Saverin was back in Malta where he was appointed head of the anaesthetic service. He practised well after retirement age. He was a frequent member of selection boards. The Maltese public certainly gained much from this devoted anaesthetist.

All knew Saverin as a gentleman of deep Catholic faith, which sustained him through some difficult times both in his family’s personal life and in his professional career as a medical practitioner and anaesthetist.

He and Nanette recently moved to St Julian’s from Mosta. He was 87 years old. It is a pity that I could not be his neighbour for longer.

Monica, my wife, and I offer our sincere condolence to Nanette and her family.