The Doc, as he was affectionately known, was born in Calcutta, India, in 1951 to his Persian/Indian father, who was also a doctor, and his Swiss mother.
The family migrated to Australia in 1967 when Manu was just 16yo and settled in the Latrobe Valley where his father practiced medicine. Manu attended Sale Grammar School before moving to Melbourne where he attended Melbourne University’s Faculty of Medicine.
Upon graduation, Manu worked at the Austin Hospital before joining Dr Harrison’s Surgery in Electra Street, which is now known as the Williamstown GP Group. After a long and distinguished career in medicine, The Doc only retired in the middle of last year after working at Wyndhamvale Health Care for many years, specialising in sports medicine.
Outside of his working life, Manu had an interest in playing water polo and was an active member of the Williamstown Swimming & Life Saving Club. He also enjoyed playing golf with his partner of 35 years, Chris, at the 13th Beach course near their holiday house and also attending the horse races.
Manu was best known to Williamstown Football Club supporters as the Club doctor for 11 seasons, from 1983 until the end of the 1993 year. He was awarded with life membership of the Club in 1994. Even after the end of his official involvement, Manu was still a regular attendee at Williamstown games and President’s luncheons with Chris.
The life of Manu will be celebrated at the Seaview Events Centre at the football ground on Wednesday, June 17, at 11am.
Players wore black armbands during last weekend’s game against Port Melbourne as a mark of respect for Manu.
Sincere condolences are extended at this sad time to Chris, Adam, David, Nick and Brad and the extended Gilani family. The Williamstown and wider communities have lost one of its finest sons.
RIP Doc.
