ONE of South West Wales's most renowned surgeons — who once performed a tracheotomy on a young Catherine Zeta Jones and who helped Bonnie Tyler with her singing voice — has died, aged 85.

Julian Bihari's family fled from Nazi Germany in 1937. He arrived in Britain as a 12-year-old unable to speak a word of English, but went on to qualify as an ear, nose and throat surgeon, and then spent the next 30 years helping patients in Neath, Port Talbot, Bridgend and Swansea.

His son, David — a professor of intensive care in Australia — said: "He was passionate about his work.

"He was innovative in what he did, and was always travelling to ear, nose and throat centres around the world to bring back the latest developments to Wales. His patients meant a great deal to him."

He learned English and went to grammar school in Surrey before training to be a doctor at University College London — it was while he was a house surgeon in London that he met his future wife, Mac, a ward sister.

He qualified in 1948 and became one of the first doctors to join the new NHS service.

In 1958, he moved to Langland and began work at hospitals in Neath, Port Talbot and Bridgend, before moving to the old Swansea Hospital on St Helen's Road in 1962.

He later became one of the driving forces behind the establishment of Singleton Hospital, and moved there when it opened.

David, 56, said: "He came to Wales in 1958 — and he became Welsh.

"He always felt part of the community, and loved to be able to walk on the cliffs around Caswell and Gower. He always said how welcoming people had been."

Mac passed away in 1986, and Mr Bihari retired the following year, allowing him more time for him to follow another of his passions.

"He loved music," said David.

"He had always been interested in the human voice and how it was used as an instrument. He always made himself available to help singers with Welsh National Opera."

Among his favourite singers was Pontrhydyfen-born Rebecca Evans, with whom he developed a "special relationship", and he also helped Bonnie Tyler.

"It was during the time Bonnie was singing with Meat Loaf," said David.

"My father was surprised at the power of her voice when she came into his consulting room."

Mr Bihari also saw a very young Catherine Zeta Jones, performing a tracheotomy on her when the three-year-old developed croup — the star later presented the doctor with a signed picture as a thank you.

After retiring, Mr Bihari travelled extensively, and became a vice-president of Morriston Orpheus Choir.

He died on September 27 after a long illness, and is survived by David and daughter Katie, 58, who was a paediatric neonatal nurse and health visitor in Swansea for 26 years.

Mr Bihari's funeral will take place at All Saints' Church, Oystermouth, on Thursday, September 9, at 12.45pm.

jason.evans@swwmedia.co.uk