Dominic Meek an appreciation by CHARLES AFUAKWAH

Where to start.
 
Many will have known that Dominic had been unwell for some time and that the prognosis was not good. Despite this, when his passing was confirmed, it still came as a great shock.
 
Dominic was, quite literally, a huge presence — a colossus of a man who was known affectionately to so many in rugby as “Big Dom.” But what made Dominic such a special person was that his enormous physical stature was matched by something far more important: his stature as a human being.
 
Off the rugby pitch, Dominic was gentle, caring and unassuming. He had a quiet manner, a ready wit and a warmth that made people feel at ease. Yet that gentleness should never be mistaken for a lack of strength. On the rugby pitch, he was immensely strong, determined and formidable — a player who combined physical power with intelligence and an understanding of the game.
 
That contrast perhaps summed up Dominic perfectly: “massive in stature, but equally massive in grace, kindness and expertise.”
 
Dominic attended The Glasgow Academy before studying medicine at the University of Glasgow. He played rugby for Glasgow Accies for many years, until his increasingly successful medical career began to take precedence.
 
He went on to become a highly respected orthopaedic surgeon and academic, establishing an outstanding reputation within his chosen field. His intelligence, measured approach and considerable expertise were evident throughout his career, but so too were the qualities that had always defined him as a person — his empathy, patience and genuine care for others.
 
His passing will be felt deeply in both the rugby and medical communities.
 
Many people first encountered Dominic on a rugby pitch, while others came to know him in the operating theatre. And there were many who were fortunate enough to experience both.
 
Even after his medical career had taken him away from playing, Dominic continued to give his time generously to rugby. He could regularly be found pitch-side at Glasgow Hawks matches, providing medical support and sharing his considerable knowledge and experience.
 
His expertise, particularly in dealing with rugby injuries, was invaluable. There are many people who owe Dominic a huge debt of gratitude for helping them return to the sport and activities they loved through his skill as a surgeon. His contribution extended far beyond rugby, of course, and countless members of the wider public benefited from his knowledge, judgement and surgical ability.
 
But perhaps what will be remembered most is not simply what Dominic achieved, but the way he treated people.
 
He was liked by everyone who met him. He was highly regarded and genuinely respected by his colleagues, his former rugby teammates and the many people whose lives he touched through his medical career. He never needed to make a show of his abilities. His intelligence and expertise spoke for themselves.
 
He was a remarkable man — strong yet gentle, imposing yet unassuming, highly accomplished yet humble. He carried his considerable talents with a grace that made him easy to admire and, more importantly, easy to like.
 
There will no doubt be many tributes and obituaries written for Dominic, each reflecting a different part of his life and the many people fortunate enough to have known him.
 
For those of us who knew him through rugby, for his colleagues in medicine, for the patients he helped, and for the many people who simply had the good fortune to meet him, his passing leaves a huge gap.
 
Dominic will be sorely missed by his family, his friends, his colleagues, his former teammates and by everyone who knew him.
Our deepest condolences go to his wife Judith and children Rachel ,Rory ,Pippa and Johnny
“A truly gentle giant — and a very special man. “