Tributes have been paid to a gifted psychiatrist who dedicated much of his life to the field of medicine.

Dr Kingsley Jones died aged 92 at his home in Loddon, and is survived by a family upon whom he had a profound influence.

Born and brought up in Pontypridd, Wales, Kingsley came from a modest background but was hugely gifted academically. Going into medicine was always his primary goal and he gained qualifications in Dublin, with the intention of pursuing psychiatry.

He worked in Kent and Sussex, before moving to Loddon and becoming a consultant psychiatrist at hospitals in Great Yarmouth and Norwich. Whilst working for the health service he met Dorothy and they later married.

Kingsley’s two sons, Dr Hugh Jones and Dr Beri Jones, have replicated their father’s interest in medicine and saluted his commitment to the field.

“Psychiatry was his speciality and he was always one to go that extra mile in his job,” said Hugh.

“He was a consultant at three hospitals for much of his career and then decided to take his skills abroad.”

It was in 1982, at the age of 56, that Kingsley moved to Canada to take up a professorship.

“Kingsley’s ability was held in very high regard and he was tasked with setting up a psychiatric unit at an Edmonton hospital,” said Beri.

“He did so many great things and certainly made the most of his life.”

Despite retiring at 65 and heading back to Loddon with Dorothy, Kingsley’s desire to help people showed no signs of relenting.

He worked at a military hospital in Greenwich, where he treated personnel experiencing post-traumatic stress after the Gulf War.

The feather in his cap, though, was becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, recognition for his contribution to the profession.

One of Kingsley’s granddaughters, Sioned, added: “Kingsley was kind, thoughtful, patient and had a lot of empathy for people.

“I benefited a lot from his influence and I have always tried to be like him.”

Kingsley’s interests outside of medicine included skiing and Shakespeare; he was also a strong swimmer, a talent put to good use when he once jumped into the River Wensum to save a boy from drowning, resulting in an award from the Royal Humane Society.

A service remembering Kingsley will be held at Holy Trinity Church in Loddon at noon on Tuesday, January 30.