Earby mourns death of popular family doctor

FAMILY and friends have said goodbye to one of Earby’s best-known personalities, Dr Gordon Dick.

They gathered at All Saints’ Church to pay tribute to the 90-year-old who died of a chest infection.

Wife Kathleen said his death leaves a “huge hole” and he was a “true gentleman”.

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Born in Hull, Dr Dick won a place at St Bartholomew’s medical school, London. But his training was interrupted when war broke out in 1939. Dr Dick served in Egypt in the Fleet Air Arm where he met and married his first wife Jenny.

After completing his training, the family moved to Skipton in 1951 where Dr Dick went into general practice as a trainee. He then worked in North Wales before the family came to Earby, eventually moving into the doctors’ house in School Lane. He practised in Water Street as well as in partnership at Cross Hills Health Centre and with his own practice in Glusburn.

Kathleen said: “He had the time to spend with his patients so he knew what was wrong with people as soon as they walked in because he knew them and their backgrounds.”

Dr Dick retired over 25 years ago with Jenny due to her ill health. After they had been married for over 50 years she passed away.

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He kept himself busy with a multitude of hobbies, not least his love for being outdoors and gardening. Kathleen said: “His green house was his main love. He loved being able to watch things grow from little seeds.”

Dr Dick and Kathleen married 17 years ago. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and Kathleen said he loved nothing more than to have the house filled with family.

His other hobbies included fishing and horse racing. He was also involved with All Saints’ Church and attended communion services at Linden Road Community Centre.

Dr Dick was a former president of Barnoldswick and Earby Rotary Club, and served on the committee responsible for the building of Abbeyfield in Barnoldswick.

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He was delighted on Boxing Day last year when he was offered the honorary presidency of Earby Brass Band.

In recent years Dr Dick had been a familiar sight in Earby riding his mobility scooter.

Kathleen said: “We are so grateful to the people of Earby and surrounding area who were always extremely kind. They kept him going and took the time to talk to him, which was important. They made his life full to the end.”

Dr Dick leaves two daughters and a son.

There’s more on this amazing family doctor in tomorrow’s Barnoldswick & Earby Times

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