John Neophyton was not only a lifelong family friend but he was my mentor. 'Dr John Neo', as he was affectionately called, was a university colleague and one of the best and closest friends of my father Andrew, so I have known John and his family all my life. My earliest memory was when I was a young boy and he showed me how to pack a medical kit. John followed and guided me throughout my career and was always there for me, answering any questions I had, practical, theoretical or otherwise. My first experience in an operating theatre was with John. It was in the sanctity of his beloved operating theatre that I learned the most about him. His witty, dry sense of humour, his love of cricket, all codes of football and rugby, exotic cars, good food and horse racing! He was extremely highly respected both by his patients and his colleagues. At times he was feared by the nursing staff because it was John's edict that he always wanted things perfectly done without exception. Second best or 'she'll be right mate' was not in his vocabulary. He always said that his job was to do the best for his patient and he was not there to win any popularity contests. John's passion was his family - his children David and Joanne and his wife Averil. His vocation was medicine and general in particular. His major interests were colorectal surgery, breast surgery and sports medicine. He graduated from the University of Sydney in 1963 and was awarded his Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of Surgery in 1971. He was awarded his FRCS (Eng) in 1972. After returning from England he began working as an Honorary Medical Officer at Sutherland Hospital in 1975 and started his private practice in Miranda. He was a VMO at the St George Private Kareena and President Private Hospitals. He also consulted at my rooms in Matraville a few times a week and operated at the Prince of Wales Private Hospital. He had a strong involvement in sports medicine and was the team doctor for the Broncos Rugby League Club for 20 years as Wayne Bennett's right-hand man. In the words of Wayne Bennett who was among the hundreds of people at his funeral, 'He was a very good person, John was capable, trustworthy and a good friend to everyone at the Broncos.' In 1996 and 1997 he served as Chairman of the Medical staff Association of Sutherland Hospital and 1999-2001 as Chairman of the Department of Surgery. From 2002-2004 he was acting Director of Medical Services for Sutherland Hospital. He was also past Chairman of the Medical Staff Association of both Kareena Private Hospital and President Private Hospital. Over the years I exposed him to AMA politics and convinced him to serve as an AMA (NSW) Councillor for the past five years, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He was also a member of the association's Ethics and Hospital Practice Committees. He was a great asset to the AMA and his contribution was greatly valued, especially on hospital issues. John's yearning for knowledge was never quenched so he enrolled in Law, graduating with distinction in 2002. This law degree helped John to once again diversify his practice and over the past few years he specialised in the medico legal field after passing the WorkCover, Comcare and American Board of Independent Medical Examiners Courses. 'Dr Neo' will certainly be missed by his family, colleagues and patients. I will miss his passion, dedication, wisdom, guidance and most of all his loyal friendship. He is now in the hands of God. May he Rest in Peace.