William Clements Lathbury

William Clements Lathbury

Former general practitioner Burton upon Trent (b 1925; q Birmingham 1947), d 25 November 2004.

William Lathbury was a good old-fashioned GP in the best sense of the words.

Born in Burton, after qualifying he did his national service in the RAF in Africa, where he met his first wife, Joy. He returned to Burton, and took over a singlehanded practice with 4200 patients, whom he looked after well and caringly for 18 years. He lived in “The White House,” and this was also his surgery. His sons would often help out as receptionists, and Joy was also on 24 hour duty to answer the phone and deal with patients on the doorstep.

In 1968 he organised a group practice with his cousin and cousin-in law, both of whom were friends and fellow Birmingham graduates. The family atmosphere in the practice continues to this day. A keen DIY man, he did a lot of the work in setting up the new premises.

He continued to work hard after Joy died, and retired in 1987 having seen and encouraged the changes and developments in general practice as older partners retired and new ones joined.

He enjoyed a happy and fruitful retirement with Margaret, his second wife, with whom he shared a love of golf, ornithology, travel, and music. He also leaves four sons by his first wife.

A real “family doctor” in every sense, he is sadly missed by family, friends, and patients.

They don’t make them like that any more! [Stephen L Collier]