Dr Allen Crocker, 1925 - 2011

Dr Allen Crocker, one of the leading pioneers of developmental paediatrics, who had a particular interest in children with Down syndrome, died on Sunday at the age of 85, in Boston. Dr Crocker cared for children with Down syndrome at Boston Children's Hospital, and through his teaching and writing for more than 50 years. He is remembered with enormous respect and great fondness by colleagues and families.

Dr Brian Skotko (Boston Children's Hospital) remembers his teacher, mentor and friend here, seeing Dr Crocker's legacy to the global Down syndrome community from this perspective:

They may not all know it, but children with Down syndrome have more opportunities today because of Allen. Parents have fewer battles to fight because Allen tore down walls. Grandparents play leading roles because Allen understood them to be central figures in family life. Brothers and sisters become advocates because Allen established precedents.

The excellent Speakers' series of webcast lectures and seminars on aspects of Down syndrome at Boston Children's Hospital is named in Dr Crocker's honour.