Community mourns passing of Dr Val Lishman

The South West community has lost a remarkable man who will be remembered as a true gentleman.

Dr Val Lishman died yesterday morning at a Bethanie Aged Care Facility in Bunbury, aged 86.

In 1965 Dr Lishman was the first specialist surgeon to work outside of Perth in WA.

In 1992 he became a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to medicine after establishing a surgical practice in the South West.

The Val Lishman Health Research foundation was named in his honour in 1997 when he retired.

Executive officer of the VLHR Jackie Ross has many fond memories of Dr Lishman and said meeting him was a life-changing experience.

“He spoke to everyone and always made you feel good,” she said.

“There was always a genuine connection and he was always happy to retell stories.

“His reputation will live on and he will be missed in the community.”

She recommended his book The Man in the Surgical Mask which was a true account of his life and an easy read.

She said the book was funny and sad and revealed what kind of man he was.