John Cameron Mountain was born in Southend on 8 April 1935. Educated at Latymer Upper School and Charing Cross Hospital he graduated in medicine in 1959. After house appointments he gained the Primary FRCS and held posts in Birmingham at the Accident Hospital, General Hospital, and Children's Hospital. In 1964 he took the Final FRCS and returned to London as a registrar at Fulham. He then became resident surgical officer at St Mark's Hospital, and this post was a deciding factor in directing his main surgical interests. As senior registrar at the Westminster Hospital and at Bournemouth, his interest in pancreatic and biliary surgery developed leading to a year at the Lahey Clinic. As first assistant to Dr Kenneth Warren, John was profoundly influenced by his practice and teaching. In 1972 he was appointed consultant surgeon to the Southend-on-Sea hospitals. He rapidly established himself as a hard-working careful surgeon and a congenial colleague whose opinion was respected and sought by others. He cared deeply for his patients and the standard of treatment available to them. John was intensely interested in the postgraduate education and careers of the surgical junior staff. He was appointed surgical tutor at the Royal College of Surgeons, a post he held until his death. He was elected secretary of the consultant staff committee, where his friendliness and personal attention were greatly appreciated. Outside medicine his interests were many and varied. When age ended his membership of the Round Table he became Founder President of Southend Estuary Rotary Club. He was a keen player of squash, tennis and bridge, and hill walking was a constant delight. Always interested in football, he became a fervent supporter of Southend United Football Club. In a life so full his home and family occupied a central position. He died in an accident in Snowdonia on 12 April 1979, aged 44 years. His tragic death in the prime of life removed a man who filled his days with many interests, all pursued with enthusiasm. He was survived by his wife, son, daughter and mother.