Paul Arthur Noel Wainwright

General practitioner Wigan 1952-89 (b 1926; q St Andrews 1948), died from metastatic prostate cancer on 1 February 2002

After house jobs and national service in the Royal Air Force he entered general practice, firstly as an assistant, and then as a principal in his hometown of Wigan until retirement. He was of a retiring nature, with a dry and witty sense of humour but totally dedicated to his patients and very hard working. He was known for his unflappability and could defuse tense situations with apparent ease. Photography, at which he excelled, was his principal hobby, as well as being completely devoted to family life, valuing the old standards. He also enjoyed growing flowers, studying nature in general, and had a vast knowledge of local history. He leaves a wife, Jean; four children; and five grandchildren. [Colin Haigh]