Graeme Smith (1960–2025)

On 24 May 2025, Graeme Smith FRPharmS, aged 65 years, of Telscombe Cliffs. Mr Smith became a member in 1982, became a Fellow of the Society in 2013 and remained a member until his passing.

We write in tribute to Graeme Smith, former deputy editor of The Pharmaceutical Journal.

It’s the people who make an organisation what it is, and when Graeme was at The Pharmaceutical Journal, he made it a lovely place to work. He was a fantastic boss, always patient, generous and kind. He trained the three of us in editing and writing — skills that we continue to benefit from and have passed on to others. He also had a wonderful sense of humour and was lovable for his sense of old-school etiquette — his outrage when he received an email addressed to “Graeme” rather than “Mr Smith” from someone he didn’t know, for example, never diminished.

During his almost 30 years’ service to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, most of which was at The PJ, Graeme helped hundreds, if not thousands, of pharmacists to communicate their knowledge, ideas and opinions eloquently and elegantly to the rest of our profession. He was in his element “making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”, as he would say, and was fondly known as “the [editorial house] style police” by colleagues. He saw that the high editorial standard required of a professional journal was upheld. Graeme was also an excellent writer, but being a modest person, he preferred to avoid the limelight that a byline attracts. In fact, many a PJ leader — the voice of The PJ on important current issues — was penned by Graeme.

Graeme was such a lovely person that he made friendships across the RPS and wider profession that continued after he left The PJ in 2014 until his death. He made a difference to many lives, professional and personal, including being a matchmaker, which led to two marriages between RPS staff. We three are proud to have been in Graeme’s team and were privileged to have had him as a friend. We owe a big part of our careers as journalists/editors to him.

The past 18 months were difficult for Graeme. First the sudden loss of Chris, his partner of over 35 years, then a diagnosis of stage 4 cancer. Throughout, he was ever stoic, courageous and open about the challenges he faced. On 1 January this year, as he wished everyone a happy 2025, he wrote: “My life has changed irreversibly in so many ways. But I’m still here and I’m thankful for the love and support of my family and friends.” He is greatly missed by many. Rest in peace Graeme. Thank you for so much.

Dawn Connelly (PJ senior features editor 2001-2025);

Benedict Lam (PJ opinions editor 2008-2017);

Lin-Nam Wang (PJ senior contributions editor 2002-2014)

Graeme was a brilliant editor. His talent and knowledge vastly improved thousands of articles but, even more than that, he sharpened the writing skills and the grammar of countless writers. If he sighed inwardly as another less than polished staff writer joined The PJ, he never showed it: instead, he coached, encouraged and developed them with kindness and patience. 

Those attributes of kindness and support shone through Graeme outside work too. People always described him as a lovely man — and he truly was. He supported me quietly and unfailingly during one of the most difficult times of my life, and also brought me the greatest joy by cheekily matchmaking me with my husband. Graeme was fantastic company. He was witty, sharp and well read. It was an honour to call him a friend. 

Graeme suffered cruel and unfair blows in the past few years. First the tragic death of his soulmate Chris and then his own illness. The strength and courage he demonstrated until the very end is a lesson to us all. Most of all I’ll remember Graeme, Talisker in hand, propping up the bar and putting the world to rights with a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed.

Clare Morrison

As editor at the time, I took Graeme onto the staff of The PJ. He had been working for the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, under John Fowler. He had wanted to spread his wings a bit editorially. Nevertheless, his time at the JPP stood him in good stead and he showed great ability in preparing submitted articles and papers for publication. He was a master at bringing order to the disordered. I gave him the job of overseeing the letters section of The PJ, which was a vital part of what was then a weekly publication.

Graeme and I shared a love of singing and on one memorable occasion I played his father (Sir Marmaduke) to his dashing Alexis ( a grenadier guardsman) in an amateur production of Gilbert and Sulllivan’s The Sorcerer at a church hall somewhere in Southwark. I have forgotten the name of the operatic society.

We both carried on singing and we would compare notes when we met up at the regular reunions of ex-PJ staff.

Douglas Simpson, former editor of The Pharmaceutical Journal

What a privilege it was to work alongside Graeme at The PJ many years ago. There must be few who brought to work so much fun (and, occasionally, mischief) with such exactness, conscientiousness and such a sense of fair play. His Moore-esque raising of an eyebrow, wry smile and wicked sense of humour will always stay with me. As well as reuniting with his beloved Chris in the afterlife, I can picture him sharing several drinks and laughs with other dearly missed members of the team. 

Naomi Kempner (PJ editorial team 1987–1998)

It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Graeme Smith, a true gentleman and an integral figure in the world of pharmacy journalism in the UK.  We had worked together when I was The PJ‘s deputy news editor and we stayed in touch with the pharmacy journalist get-togethers that occurred annually.  
As the former Deputy Editor of The PJ, Graeme’s commitment to excellence shaped the publication for over 25 years, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working with him.  

Beyond his editorial prowess, Graeme was a mentor and guiding force, generously offering his wisdom on writing and the sector’s policy and politics. And always with patience, insight, and a touch of the Scottish humour! His keen eye and thoughtful advice elevated the work of countless colleagues and pharmacy contributors, bringing an atmosphere of collaboration and intellectual curiosity.  

His presence helped cultivate a warm, collegiate environment during a time when pharmacy (and how it was reflected in The PJ) was a more introspective profession. He understood the depth and nuance of the profession and championed discourse that reflected both its history and evolution.  

Rest in peace, Graeme. You will be remembered with great fondness and respect.  

Elizabeth Sukkar (PJ deputy news editor 2014–2017)