I write in connection to your late father; Dr Ronald Grant. After reading the transcript of your father's life story on the net, I was compelled to write to you, initially to express on behalf on myself and my family in Distington, Cumbria, our sincerest condolences upon learning of your father's sad demise.
I was a patient of your father from the mid 1950's through to leaving the county in the mid 1970's. My parents (Joe & Marjorie) and elder brother (Barry) remained as patients with your father's practice up until his retirement; after approximately 30 years as the family GP, my parents and your father were actually on first name terms with each other. I suppose that is a sign of good doctor-patient relationship. Nevertheless, your father was well respected by all of the Armstrong clan.
Both my mother and brother have reported that they found your father's life story very interesting. My 80 year old mother classed it as 'a reet good read'. I personally have read the story with great interest.
I am especially intrigued with the parts of the narrative, which tells of your father's exploits in Qatar and Oman, as I am actually writing this from my office in Umm Said. I am currently working for a Qatari chemical company building a new chemical plant approximately 10 km south of Umm Said, in fact the town is now known as Mesaieed Industrial City, but I am sure if it were possible, your father would think very little has changed since his time here in the 50's, i.e. sand, sand and more sand.
With reference to the section referring to Muscat and Oman: if reading about Umm Said wasn't surprising enough, you can imagine the additional surprise when I read the information about the development of a new copper and silver mine and the comments about your father being invited to take medical charge of the company's operations in the copper mining and works. (I actually worked for the copper mining company (Oman Mining Co; LLC) from September 1981 through to May 1993.) I am sure we both would have been amazed if I had presented as one of his patients, yet again, but this time in the middle of the desert, however, it wasn't to be, it would appear to be that your father was not impressed with the individual he would be expected to answer to.
Let me say once again, I have read the life story and found it extremely interesting. I hope other ex-patients and friends have also seen your web site and found the story as interesting. Finally and to reiterate my sentiments; on behalf of my family back in the UK and from me here in Qatar, please accept our sincerest and belated condolences on the death of your father (Dr Grant) ... he was a good man.
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Site prepared and maintained by Simon Grant, revisions to September 2007