Dr. John Press

DR. John Press, who has died aged 81, was a highly respected former State Pathologist for Northern Ireland.

Born into a prominent Downpatrick family, he was the elder son of George and Ellie Press and brother of Hugh, Mary and Patricia.

He was educated at Down High School and, later, Royal School, Armagh. He studied Law for a time at Queen’s University, Belfast, but later changed to studying Medicine at Trinity College, Dublin.

After qualifying and while a houseman at Downe Hospital in Downpatrick, he met his wife, Maura. The couple were to have three children — Michael, Jane and Maura — who brought them great joy and gave them five grandchildren.

After his marriage Dr. Press worked for a time in Norwich where he carried out hip joint operations. He returned to Northern Ireland in 1966 and took up a position with the Pathology Department at Queen’s University where he remained as one of the State Pathologists until his retirement 16 years ago.

His outside interests were mainly photography and history. He was a member of Lisburn Historical Society, Lecale and Downe Historical Society and Ballynahinch Camera Club.

A quiet person by nature, he was nevertheless a good conversationalist. He was well read and continued to buy books — mainly about history and current politics — up until his death.

Dr. Press will be sadly missed by his wife and family, and his many friends.