In Memoriam of our Dear Friend and Colleague, Stewart Jessamine

It is with great sadness that I share with you the news of Stewart Jessamine’s recent passing.Within New Zealand, Stewart was a much loved and respected member of the Ministry of Health family having dedicated over 26 years to its service progressing numerous initiatives and projects. 

As we knew Stewart, he was a driving force and contributor to the IHTSDO and then SNOMED International community.  His passion for the global implementation and adoption of SNOMED CT was unparalleled, lending his time to progress the development and evolution of our vision and mission. 

Stewart first joined IHTSDO’s General Assembly (GA) in 2010, quickly taking ownership of many key initiatives resulting in his appointment as GA Chair for 2011 and 2012. After fulfilling his term, he stayed on as an active GA Member, sharing his enthusiasm for SNOMED CT and mentoring new Members as they signed on to the organization. In 2016, Stewart was once again appointed GA Chair, a role which he ultimately served in until 2017. 

When Stewart formally stepped down from the General Assembly in 2017, it gave the organization a chance to reflect on his years of service. He was instrumental to the changing role of governance for IHTSDO, having not only impacted it from the GA level, but also his support and guidance for changes in the organization. 

Demonstrating the laudable career and accomplishments he had built in New Zealand, Stewart worked closely with Alastair Kenworthy to shape the successful outcome of the SNOMED CT Expo held in Wellington, NZ in October 2016. 

Our staff, governance bodies, and Community of Practice will dearly miss Stewart’s genuine passion and drive. We offer our sincerest condolences to his family, colleagues past and present, and all those that called him a friend. 

Don Sweete

CEO

SNOMED International