Henry George (Harry) Judkins died suddenly on May 4, 1982, aged 80. He graduated MB, BS from the University of Melbourne in l924, and worked for the next three and a half years in a mission hospital in Papua, till ill health forced his return. He then settled in Box Hill and built up a general practice which grew with the population.
During the Depression, many were grateful for the smallness or absence of his accounts. Patients came to him partly because of his ability, partly because of confidence in his willingness to discuss their personal problems with understanding, and to "tell the truth" about their illnesses. He would take or make time for this. He worked hard to give a service of high standard through a partnership based on equitable arrangements. When bereavements came, he visited promptly, to console the bereaved and to discuss their unresolved questions.
He was a member of the Board of Box Hill Hospital for 25 years.
He became a member of the British Medical Association in 1924 and was a member of the Victorian Branch Council from 1952 to 1963. He served as Branch President in 1960. For the years 1961/62 he was Chairman of the Ethics Subcommittee.
He was appointed to the Medical Board of Victoria in 1962; made President in 1967 (the first general practitioner to hold the office) he served for almost ten years. During this time, he helped to draft the new Medical Act, working with presidents from other States in an effort to achieve greater uniformity of registration laws, especially for overseas graduates. A Board member once commented that he was an excellent chairman, well informed on agenda items, who always allowed adequate time for discussion while holding to the necessity of reaching conclusions.
He was a member of the Public Education committee of the Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria.
His involvement in the life of the Methodist (later Uniting) Church, both locally and in its wider activities, was important to him. He was a lay preacher for 55 years, a council member of Methodist Ladies‘ College and of Box Hill Grammar School, and served on various State or federal church and mission committees.
Last updated 28 March 2025
Source: Obituary MJA 4 September 1982, p.256.