John Harbison (pathologist) facts for kids

Professor John Harbison (born December 23, 1935 – died December 18, 2020) was a very important Irish scientist. He was the first ever State Pathologist for Ireland. This means he helped the police and courts understand how people died, especially in mysterious cases.

Growing Up and Learning

John Harbison was born in the Howth area of Ireland. His father, Dr. James Austin Harbison, was also a doctor. John went to school locally, including St Gerard's School, Bray and Stonyhurst College. He then studied at Trinity College Dublin, graduating in 1960. He had a brother named Peter Harbison, who became a famous archaeologist.

His Amazing Career

After college, John Harbison worked in hospitals. He worked at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Dublin. He also worked in hospitals in Bristol and Oxford in the UK. Later, he became an assistant pathologist at Trinity College Dublin.

In 1974, he made history. He became Ireland's very first State Pathologist. A pathologist is a doctor who studies diseases and how people die. A State Pathologist works with the police. They help solve crimes by examining bodies. Professor Harbison performed about 100 examinations each year. He worked on many important and well-known cases. His work helped the police understand what happened.

In 1991, he became a Professor. He taught Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. This means he taught students about how medicine helps solve legal problems. He stopped performing examinations in 2003 when he was 67 years old. Later, Professor Marie Cassidy took over his important role.

His Family Life

John Harbison married Kathleen Harbison in 1979. They had two children together. They also had two grandchildren. The family lived in Howth, the same area where John grew up.

Professor Harbison passed away on December 18, 2020. This was just five days before his 85th birthday. His funeral was held at Glasnevin Crematorium in Dublin.