Shock at doctor’s sudden death

By Kath Gannaway
THE sudden death last week of Healesville GP Dr John Lockwood sent waves of disbelief through the district.
Dr Lockwood, 62, suffered a massive heart attack on Saturday morning, 5 May, and was rushed to Box Hill Hospital. He was transferred to Epworth Eastern Hospital where he died on Tuesday morning.
His wife, Elizabeth, said the attack came without warning.
As a local GP and partner in Yarra Valley Clinic for 33 years, Dr Lockwood came into contact with many thousands of people from the very moment of their first breath to their last.
Flowers and tributes have poured into the clinics in Healesville and at Yarra Glen.
His practice partner and friend Dr Elroy Schroeder told the Mail his loss was devastating both personally and professionally.
“He was very well-equipped for the job as a GP. He could do anything and everything.
“He was particularly useful in a country practice. He immediately fitted into the team and was very much part of what a 24-hour seven day a week practice is all about,” he said.
Dr Lockwood was recognised last year when he received the Outstanding Contribution to Rural Communities Award at the Rural Doctors Awards presentations.
He was deputy chair of the Eastern Ranges GP Association and chair of the committee of management which established the after hours GP service in Healesville.
MP for McEwen Fran Bailey said he was a man who worked very hard for the community.
“It’s thanks largely to him and the work he did behind the scenes that we got the service,” she said.
Ms Bailey said Dr Lockwood was also her family doctor and was a caring family GP who had the community wellbeing at heart.
A service was held at the chapel at Stones Winery on Monday.
The location was chosen not only for the beautiful setting but because it is a central point to where Dr Lockwood cared for his patients at Yarra Valley clinics in Coldstream, Healesville and Yarra Glen.
A tribute to Dr Lockwood will appear in next week’s Mail.