Dr. Clifford Joseph Ledulx MISSO

14^th March 1909 – 4^th June 2007

Dr. Quintus de Zylva

Dr. Clifford Misso passed away peacefully at the age of 98 and a mass to celebrate his life was held at St. Leonard’s Church in Melbourne on the 13^th of June.

Clifford Misso was educated at St. Joseph’s College Colombo. He gained the University of Cambridge Senior School Certificate in December 1925 at the age of 16. He entered Medical College having passed the entrance examination with First Class Honours. And he subsequently went on to gain the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in England.

He served for many years as a Consultant Surgeon at the General Hospital Colombo where he taught scores of medical students in the highest standards of courtesy and compassion. His tireless work is remembered with great affection by so many of us who were fortunate to come under his guidance and instruction.

Dr. Clifford migrated to Australia and settled in Melbourne in 1972. He then worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs and in private practice from his home in Glen Waverley.

Clifford was one of six children all of whom excelled in their chosen fields – Douglas in Literature, Ivor in Law and Shelley in Art.

He married Verna and they had five children some of whom are now resident in England. He is survived by his five children as well as eight grand children and fourteen great grand children.

His wife Verna died some years ago. Clifford’s love for his family was exemplified by the manner in which he cared for his beloved wife Verna during a long illness. He would visit her daily when she was a patient in my medical unit at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

His medical skills and clinical acumen never deserted him. Just three months ago, at the age of 98, he rang me to say that his granddaughter was due to see me the next morning. Clifford suggested what he thought might be the problem and the operative notes confirmed that Clifford was right once again.

Clifford was a voracious reader and spent many hours reciting poetry. He had a great interest in genealogy and could suggest the names of parents and grandparents with remarkable ease. His memory and mental faculties never deserted him although physically he used a wheel chair in his latter years.

Clifford attended evening mass at St. Leonard’s Church in Glen Waverley on a regular basis.

He is seen here at a gathering of St. Joseph’s College Old Boys Association in Melbourne three years ago.

Long will the memory of a perfect gentleman and compassionate doctor remain with all of us who were fortunate enough to know this remarkable surgeon and teacher.