City GP and a community stalwart

A former Norwich GP and a community stalwart in Mattishall has died at the age of 80 after a life of caring for others.

John Humphreys moved to Norfolk 40 years ago. He worked at surgeries in Norwich, worshipped at Christ Church and took a full part in village life in Mattishall when he retired.

He was one of the leaders of the Mattishall Gant Fair and a key member of the group working to get the old primary school converted into a community centre in the village.

Before moving to Norfolk he worked across the world as a colonial medical officer after a period in the merchant navy.

His wife, Alison, said: "He was kind and generous, a good man. He always thought of other people first. He used to be on call three nights per week and at the weekend and he always used to go out to patients otherwise he would worry about them."

Born in Denham, Buckingham-shire, he went to Bradfield College, near Reading, before undergoing his medical training at St Thomas' Hospital.

He joined the merchant navy as a ship's doctor on the meat ships to and from Argentina in the 1950s. He also worked in Borneo and Hong Kong as a colonial medical officer.

The couple met while he was working overseas but moved to Norwich in the 1960s where he worked as a GP in Dereham Road at Adelaide Street Health Centre.

He retired at 69, moving to Mattishall, where he became involved in village life.

He was also a guide at the Sainsbury Centre and a founder member of Breckland Artists.

Dr Humphreys died in his sleep on Thursday, October 15. He leaves two daughters, Sarah and Pippa, and a son, Adam.

A funeral will take place on November 4 at 11am at Christ Church, Eaton, Norwich, where he worshipped for 40 years.