Friends remember cancer specialist

A SPECIALIST doctor at Ipswich Hospital will be mourned by patients and colleagues tomorrow.

A service to celebrate the life of Dr John LeVay will take place in the hospital's chapel at 1pm.

Dr LeVay, 51, was a cancer surgeon who joined the hospital in 1994 and was well-respected by everyone who knew him. He died in March after a long battle with cancer.

His friends and colleagues at Ipswich Hospital said in a statement: “John was a quiet, gentle man, capable of achieving his goals through a combination of constructive dialogue and dogged persistence.

“He was a successful clinical director for many years up until his illness.

“He inspired loyalty and encouraged achievement within the department. Colleagues and patients will remember him as a person who was a good listener. He dealt fairly with everyone and was generous with his time.”

Dr LeVay grew up in London and travelled widely during his career, but became involved in Suffolk life and issues, while he also developed a passion for Ipswich Town Football Club.

The friends statement said: “He enjoyed sailing with his family and walking through the Suffolk countryside. He managed to balance his commitment to cancer services with a full family life.

“His pride in the cancer service was only surpassed by his love for his family.

"We will all miss John, not only professionally but also as someone who never lost touch with the human side of life at work as well as in the outside world."

Dr LeVay leaves behind a wife, Jo, and three children who live in Charsfield.

To attend the service in Dr LeVay's memory call 01473 704498 to reserve a place.

Would you like to pay a tribute to Dr John LeVay? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.