Christopher Richard Sheard

Christopher Richard Sheard

Former general practitioner Ilkley, Yorkshire (b 1940; q Cambridge/London 1965; MA, DRCOG), died suddenly and expectedly from a heart attack on 24 January 2004 while on holiday in Hawaii.

Christopher Richard Sheard retired from being a full time NHS medical practitioner in Ilkley, Yorkshire, in 2001, but had been doing locums in GP work and ophthalmology clinics since that time.

He was born in Airedale, Yorkshire—the son of a doctor—and into a family of doctors in the West Riding. He attended Ermysted’s Grammar School, Skipton, after which he went to Sedbergh School (then in Yorkshire)—the “Eton of the north”—motto: “Dura Virum Nutrix.” He survived the routine there of early morning cold baths, fell running, rugby, and much local rainfall to reach Cambridge University in 1959, being admitted to Christ’s College.

While obtaining his degree at Cambridge he continued with his beloved flute playing, became a formidable hockey player, and learnt Swedish.

He arrived at Guy’s Hospital in 1962, qualified as a doctor in 1965-6, and was appointed resident house officer to the ear, nose, and throat department and later Nuffield House. Thereafter he moved to New Cross Hospital and Orpington Hospital, acquiring his DRCOG.

Having done GP locums all over the UK for a time he chose to settle in Wharfedale, Yorkshire, in 1969 and practise in Ilkley—at first in partnership with Dr A Gott and later with Dr R Hargreaves at the Ilkley Health Centre, where he was principal in total for 32 years. He was also a clinical assistant in ophthalmology, which he continued in his retirement.

From an early age Chris was blessed with a happy temperament and a cheerful character. He loved the Yorkshire Dales, and after marrying Sue—a music teacher—together they happily explored the area and the Lake District, where they sailed his yacht on Lake Ullswater on summer weekends.

In the past he was a member of the Round Table, Arthur Ransome Society, and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

In his retirement Chris and Sue were able to explore more of this planet, travelling to Antarctica, Alaska, Canada, and lastly to Hawaii.

At the service of thanksgiving held in Bolton Abbey, a full church heard tributes to his devoted service to, and generous care of, his many patients with his thoughtfulness, time, and humour.

He will be sadly missed by all who knew him but especially by his wife, Sue, and their two children. [Peter Sheard]