(Based on an obituary published in the Journal of the New Zealand Medical Association, 7th June 2002)
Pat Fox was a skilled dermatologist, a fascinating raconteur and an all-round sportsman. After schooling at St. Patrick's, Silverstream he entered the seminary at Greenmeadows but two years later abandoned his calling to the priesthood in favour of medicine, qualifying MB ChB (Otago) in 1944. In 1947 he passed his Membership examinations in Edinburgh and London and proceeded to train, principally in Edinburgh, in Dermatology before he and his wife Rosemary returned to New Zealand in 1951. He commenced private practice but also served in the public health system for 30 years.He was a Foundation Fellow of the Australian College of Dermatologists and renowned as a teacher. Of a suspect pigmented lesion he observed "No one ever died from a surgical scar !"
Even before leaving school he had competed at international level in shooting. He represented Otago University, the Province of Otago and New Zealand Universities at rugby, playing at hooker. He gained New Zealand blues in rugby, shooting and water polo, In later life he coached the Auckland University rugby team to win the premier club rugby competition and later took up duck shooting, fly-fishing and golf, and was President and Patron of the Parnell Swimming Club. A full life.