Sir Norman served as president of the States of Alderney from 2002 to 2011 and retained a keen interest in matters of governance and island law and in generally ensuring the States were doing things properly.
Born in 1931, Sir Norman retired to Alderney after an extraordinary medical career. Between 1965 and 1996 he was Professor of Surgery at St Thomas’s Hospital in London and authored a large number of medical text books. The respect he generated led to election as president of the Royal College of Surgeons and while there he garnered a string of awards and founded the RCS Research Fellowship Scheme. In 1994, he was knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his services to medicine.
On retiring to Alderney with his wife Jeanne – Alderney’s first woman doctor and who also enjoyed a successful career in medicine – Sir Norman immersed himself in island life. He was a keen sailor and regularly set out to sea in a small boat with fellow former president George Baron. He also served as chairman of the Alderney Maritime Trust, which among other things organised support for the investigation of the Elizabethan wreck.
He supported local charities and was instrumental in Alderney Library attaining the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
His background in medicine sometimes made itself felt when he served as president.
When the States was split over a ban on smoking in public places he used his casting vote to usher in the legislation.
This summer, despite poor health, he attended the swearing-in of Alderney’s newest president, William Tate.
Mr Tate said he had always felt that, with Sir Norman at the helm, the island was in safe hands.
‘Sir Norman was an active president, attending meetings and offering advice and guidance to States members.
‘He conducted meetings of the States with careful precision, courtesy and a steadying hand when required.
‘He stood up for the community and was not afraid to express his views forcefully to Guernsey if he felt our interests were being compromised. He was not afraid to take controversial decisions if he felt them to be in the best interests of the island.
‘As a mark of respect for the office of president, despite not being in the best of health, he attended my swearing-in. It was a touching moment and one I will not forget.
‘If I am able to emulate his contribution to the welfare of the island, I will have achieved my goal.’
A statement on behalf of the States of Alderney said: ‘The States of Alderney and the entire community are profoundly saddened by the news of the death of Sir Norman Browse. His loss will be deeply felt by a community who has lost a committed public servant.’
Sir Norman passed away peacefully on 12 September. His wife Jeanne died on 14 February 2017. He is survived by his son, Dominic, and his daughter, Sarah.
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