Liverpool Holocaust refugee who became eminent doctor passes away aged 101
German-born Dr. John Henry Goldsmith leaves behind three children and nine grandchildren
A Holocaust refugee who forged a career at the Royal Liverpool Hospital to become a highly regarded kidney specialist, has passed away aged 101.
Dr. John Henry Goldsmith was born near Dusseldorf and came to UK with his mother, who was a dentist, when Britain allowed a small number of refugees from that profession come to the UK without requalifying.
In 1940, aged 16, he was interned and sent to the Isle of Man, as an ‘enemy alien’. On return to the mainland, he took up a post at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, which became the launching pad for a career specialising in nephrology (diseases of the kidneys).
Henry later worked as a consultant physician and nephrologist at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
Michael Newman, chief executive of the Association of Jewish Refugees, told Jewish News: “He loved Liverpool and spent much of his life there, where he was an active voice in local Holocaust education. John was a stalwart member of the AJR and we were delighted to provide him with a computer and a regular computer volunteer.”
He added: “We are grateful to have had the opportunity to capture John’s testimony as part of our Refugee Voices archive. Capturing experiences like John’s helps preserve the record of the Holocaust and enables us all learn about his remarkable life and the contribution he made to his adopted home. We will miss him greatly and are honoured to continue to tell his story as part of our work”.
A spokesperson for the family told Jewish News: “With heartfelt sadness we announce the passing of our much-loved father and grandfather, and great friend to many. We also celebrate his life with the people he helped throughout his medical career (especially starting the kidney unit at Sefton General Hospital Liverpool). He was generous, hardworking and reliable to all his family and friends and will be sorely missed.”
Dr. Goldsmith leaves behind three children and nine grandchildren.
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