It is a measure of Felix Post's modesty that, although he was a scholarly founding father of old age psychiatry, he received no academic title (or national honour). I am proud to have been his student and, later, friend and collaborator over a period of 40 years. Among my prized possessions are autographed copies of his books.
Felix was a clinician, teacher and innovator in the investigation of old age affective and delusional disorders. Less well known, is that his open-mindedness led to the first behaviour therapy in this country being conducted on patients under his care, notably by Monty Shapiro and Isaac Marks.
Anecdotes about Felix attest to his warmth, his sheepish espousal of the pun and his somewhat ‘germanic’ sense of humour. I had dinner with him, his wife Kathleen and Alwyn Lishman a fortnight before his death. He regaled us with plans for their forthcoming Mediterranean cruise, as always with a heavy programme of lectures. Felix took holidays, like most things, seriously.
I miss his company, his advice and the many and varied conversations we had.
A late goodbye to Felix Post — a giant.
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