Maurice Lee was born in Dublin in 1906 but during his early childhood his family moved to Newcastle-upon-Tyne where he was educated before entering the University of Durham for medical studies, qualifying at the early age of 21 and passing the FRCS five years later. During the early part of his career he served as a ship's surgeon and travelled widely. He was appointed consultant surgeon to Wexham Park and Taplow Hospitals and in addition to his professional commitments he was a founder member and secretary of the Ambrose Pare Surgical Club, which led him to many friendships both in this country and overseas. He wrote articles on a variety of surgical topics and was consultant surgical editor to *What's new in surgery*. He also played an active part in the St Marylebone division of the British Medical Association. In later life he read for the bar and continued his literary work after retiring from practice. He played the violin, was a keen photographer, took up tapestry and golf, and collected objets d'art. He died on 14 March 1984 aged 77 and is survived by his wife, Doddie and son and daughter, Arthur and Susan.