Warren Leishman Thompson was educated at Christ's College, New Zealand, from 1933 to 1937 where he, like his brother, Bruce, was a distinguished athlete representing the school at both cricket and rugby for some years and being a champion fives player and school prefect. On leaving school he entered Otago University and Selwyn College where he was a resident from 1939 to 1942, represented the University at both cricket and rugby, being awarded a blue in the latter. He graduated MB ChB in 1945 and was for a period house surgeon at Christchurch Hospital, subsequently travelling to England and taking the FRCS in 1950 and the DLO later that year. He was first assistant in the aural department at the London Hospital for some time and then returned to Christchurch where he entered private ENT practice and was appointed visiting ENT surgeon to the Christchurch Hospital in early 1955. He relinquished this appointment in mid-1956 though continuing in private consultation practice as at this stage he suffered the first of the health problems which were to dog the rest of his life. Because of these he took up an appointment at Templeton Hospital in 1963 and held this until his eventual retirement in March 1980. He was a quiet unassuming man who bore his ill health with courage and good humour. He died suddenly on 2 July 1980 at his home in Fendalton, survived by his wife Pauline and six children, Prue, Peter, Sue, Michael, David and Juliette.