Brian Curtin, class '48
In Memoriam
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The Union is saddened to learn of the passing of Brian Curtin, class '48.
The death has occurred of DR BRIAN CURTIN
London, UK
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Brian is survived by his wife Sue, 3 daughters, Melanie, Lucy and Maria and son Daniel. The funeral mass will be at 12 noon on the 3rd October at St Edmonds RC Church, Edmonton, London |
Date of Death: Friday 9th September 2016
Brian although born in Enfield arrived at Knock from Winchmore Hill, London, which was then home for his parents. He was with us for the war years 1940-45 which included two years prep, so when he left after the outbreak of peace, he had just completed third year. It wasn't though an end to his Dublin days for he returned once more to study medicine at Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
A brilliant career followed as a GP in North London and famously as 'Doc' for Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.
The latest 'Spurs' match-day programme recorded this tribute -
Always known affectionately as ‘The Doc’, Brian was a committed and highly professional member of the team who always conducted his work with a smile.
Born in Enfield and educated in Ireland, he ran practices in Edmonton and Bush Hill, on top of work in Harley Street. He joined Spurs in 1962 before taking over as medical officer ahead of the 1965-66 season, a post he would keep until 1994.
Dr Curtin was a family GP and friend to many of the legends of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s including Bill Nicholson, Pat Jennings and Mike England. He was on the bench for the European Cup Winners Cup, two UEFA Cups, two League Cups and four FA Cup wins while supporting the team on pre-season tours, including trips to Australia, Swaziland and Japan, where he used his gift of the Blarney to enrich the players’ experience!
Legendary former goalkeeper Pat remembers him fondly. “He was brilliant. I can remember one Friday morning clashing heads with Jimmy Greaves in the gym. Jim and myself ended up in the Doc’s treatment room. Jim said to the Doc ‘do Pat first, he’s more important for Saturday!’ The Doc patched us up and we were both fine for the next day.
“As a family, we knew him personally as a friend as well and he was the sort of doctor who would let you go around his house as well if anything was wrong. He’ll be missed and our thoughts go out to his family.”
Brian was 86 and his was a life well lived. We extend our sympathy to his surviving wife Sue, daughters Melanie, Lucy and Maria and son Daniel.
Requiescat in Pace