Graeme was born and grew up in Johannesburg. He attended Wits University Medical School for both his undergraduate and post graduate training and qualified with his MB BCh is 1977.

Graeme qualified as a Gynaecologist with the SA College of Medicine in 1984.

He became a member of The Royal College in 1984 and a Fellow of the Royal College in 2000.He was awarded Life Membership to the SA Colleges of Medicine in 2016.

His father was one of the doyens of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and most of my generation who specialized at Wits were privileged to have been taught by him. Graeme followed in his father’s footsteps and we first met as co-registrars at Chris Hani Baragwaneth Academic Hospital. Graeme was finishing his reg time as I was just starting out and much of my early training and experience in Obstetrics and Gynaecology was provided by him.

His clinical skills and surgical abilities were superb,  he was completely unflappable and simply got things done regardless of the stress, fatigue and the workload that a registrar has to deal with.

Graeme started in private practice at Mediclinic Sandton soon after qualifying and remained there for 37 years. When I went into practice some 6 years later, we immediately began sharing calls and looking after each other’s patients when one of us were away. This association continued for over 30 years and during this time we never had a single significant disagreement. This bears testament to Graeme’s character and temperament. He really was an incredible human being.

No matter how busy he was, Graeme was always willing to drop everything to help a colleague who needed him in theatre. No matter how grave the situation was, he always remained calm and simply sorted things out. He was the rock that most OBGYN’s at Sandton leaned on.

Graeme loved medicine and was loved by both colleagues and his patients. He never expressed any regret in joining his chosen profession. He loved getting to know his patients, he loved chatting to them and he fully appreciated the privilege of sharing with them the most important event of their lives- the birth of their children. Graeme delivered over 100 babies from babies that he delivered. I was privileged to be with him for the delivery of his 5 grandchildren and he was with me for the delivery of mine.

Graeme had many and varied interests outside of medicine. He loved his garden, fishing and shooting and I have many happy memories of fishing and wingshooting trips that we shared. His generosity knew no bounds. He had a keen interest in wines and established an impressive cellar which he readily shared with friends both at home and on trips.

Graeme had a passion for wildlife and the Timbavati Nature Reserve, where his family owns a farm. During the last few years, he established a museum in the Timbavati, which was subsequently named after him, as he almost single- handedly populated the displays at this amazing facility. The Graeme Naylor Museum will always be a legacy and testament to this exceptional man, his love for conservation and his willingness to do things for the benefit of others.  It is certainly worth a visit and I have attached a link with further information below.

Graeme was a mentor, a colleague, an associate and most importantly, a sincere and generous friend who was always willing to help in whatever way he could. He was a larger than life character and his passing will leave a huge void in the lives of everyone who knew him.

Graeme leaves his wife Marilyn, his two children (twins) and 5 grandchildren.

Peter Koll

https://timbavati.co.za/graeme-naylor-museum/