Obituary: Paul Mackenzie, 95

A towering figure in the field of sports medicine has died aged of 95.

Paul Mackenzie gave up his dream of becoming a naval medic due to poor eyesight, and joined the army instead.

Serving under Lord Mountbatten during the Second World War, he later qualified as a doctor at the age of 33.

He ran a rural GP practice but also pioneered modern sports medicine for golfers and skiers.

Dr Mackenzie founded the Glenshee Ski Rescue Service, was a member of the TAA and the Royal Company of Archers.

The son of a decorated soldier, he and his younger brother were brought up by their mother after their father died when he was just six

His father, Lionel Do Amaral Mackenzie, the son of a Scots businessman and a South American countess, had been born in Rio de Janeiro and went on to become a major in the Gordon Highlanders, winning the Distinguished Service Order and the Military Cross.

Educated at Edinburgh Academy where he joined the Officer Cadet Training Unit, Mackenzie joined the army on leaving school in 1938.

Commissioned in the Border Regiment, he served in various campaigns throughout the Second World War, rising to the rank of captain.

He ended the war as a junior staff officer in Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten’s South East Asia Command in Burma.

He continued to be involved, through the TA, as a major in the Royal Army Medical Corps, and was awarded the Territorial Decoration for long service.

When he was demobbed, he started a medical degree at Edinburgh University and graduated in 1952, the same year he met Barbara Ashmead-Barlett.

She was working for a London theatre group when she met him on a trip to Edinburgh, and they were married at St Giles’ Cathedral.

Dr Mackenzie joined a medical practice with Dr James Campbell in Bridge of Earn, near Perth.

He was dedicated to serving his community, attending his patients whenever they needed him.

The Glenshee model, which ensured serious injuries were responded to effectively, paved the way for similar services elsewhere.

He was awarded a Fellowship of the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine in 2007 in recognition of his legacy.

A bon viveur and gourmet, who savoured his long life and did so much to improve the lives of others, Dr Mackenzie is survived by his wife Barbara, daughter Fiona and son Ruari.