A ‘brilliant’ North Lanarkshire neurosurgeon has been hailed by patients and colleagues, after he was found dead at the weekend.
Michael Fitzpatrick went missing from his home at around 5pm on November 13. After a frantic search for the 58-year-old, his body was found in Banton Loch, Kilsyth on November 19 at around 3.30pm.
Patients have now come forward telling of how Michael helped rid them of ‘crippling’ pain while colleagues of his have said they ‘loved every second’ of working with him, reports the Daily Record.
READ MORE - Missing neurosurgeon found dead at Kilsyth loch six days after leaving Cumbernauld home
Michael’s former secretary Ann Docherty posted a heartfelt message on Facebook.
She wrote: “I’m devastated, my thoughts are with Mike’s wife and their daughters. This is a heartbreaking, horrific outcome for you all.
“Mike, no one I worked with for 10 years ever made me laugh as much as you always did. I will always miss you and your sense of humour.
“I absolutely loved every second of the 10 years I was your secretary. RIP.”
Another colleague, Julie Johnstone, said: “I worked with Mike in Southern General Hospital in Glasgow many years ago.
“He was great fun to work with - but not only was he a colleague, he helped with my dad. I shared my concerns with Mike about my dad.
“He organised his scan and went over it with me. Sadly dad had an inoperable brain tumour and died four months later, but I will never forget Mike’s help and immediate attention to my situation.
“I am so sorry and sad to hear this news. He will be so missed.
“My heartfelt sympathy to Mike’s family and friends. RIP, you were gifted.”
Tony Murphy, who was Michael’s neighbour for over 16 years, added: “We never ever had a cross word between us and we chatted for hours on end about his beloved Glasgow Celtic.
“He was a wonderful neighbour and even better friend. Still can’t believe this has happened, RIP.”
Patients also added to the tributes, with Shona McCreadie stating: “He operated on my husband’s back and freed him from crippling pain, RIP.”
Michael’s family were informed of his death on Saturday, with the incident not being treated as suspicious. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “The body of a man was found in Banton Loch, Kilsyth, around 3.35pm on Saturday, November 19.
“The body has been identified as 58-year-old Michael Fitzpatrick, who has been reported missing from Cumbernauld, his family have been informed. The death is not believed to be suspicious.
“A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
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