Remembering Ray Winn

Created - 04.11.2025

RAY WINN 1935-2025.

I am sad to have to announce the death of Ray Winn who was a constant supporter of the BSIR from its inception.

Ray was Director of Merck’s Hospital Division and played an active role in the establishment of the BSIR. When in 1987 Wattie Fletcher and Henry Loose first thought of establishing an Interventional Radiological Society Ray was asked for his input from a commercial point of view.

A meeting was arranged in Oxford in early 1988 attended by several Interventional Radiologists and 2 commercial representatives, one of whom was Ray. At this meeting the British Society of Interventional Radiologists [ later changed to Radiology ] was set up.

The first meeting of the BSIR was arranged at The Alveston Manor Hotel in Stratford-upon- Avon in November 1988. Ray was able to use his salesforce to help to identify units undertaking Interventional Radiology, A total of 78 radiologists attended this meeting and the BSIR was fully established.

Ray was fully involved in the BSIR from the start and organised local meetings with guest speakers as well as sponsoring members to attend meetings of CIRSE and the SIR.

In 1995 a group of senior members decided to form a travelling club to meet twice a year at venues in different parts of the country. This club was called The Vascular Interventional People { VIPS ]. There were 25 members and their spouses, including Ray and his wife Pat. Ray organised the first meeting in The Lygon Arms Hotel in Broadway. One of the highlights of the meetings was the confidential Mistakes and Disasters session when errors were discussed warts and all.

When Ray left Merck in 1995 he set up his own consultancy JR Associates, working with Hitachi and Galil Medical where he was extremely active in the field of Cryotherapy.

Ray was recognised for his services to Radiology when he was made an Honorary Member of The Royal College of Radiology in 1998, receiving his Certificate from Princess Margaret.

He remained active in the BSIR until he finally retired at the age of 82. Ray died on the 12th October shortly after his 90th Birthday. We will all miss Ray and send our sympathy and best wishes to Pat and the family.

JOHN DYET, Past President