Thomas Reynolds
BMJ 2004; 329 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.329.7460.296-d (Published 29 July 2004) Cite this as: BMJ 2004;329:296Data supplement
Thomas Reynolds
Former general practitioner Amble, Northumberland (b 9 February 1936; q Durham 1959), died peacefully at home on 26 June 2004.Dr Reynolds was a much loved and respected general medical practitioner who spent most of his working life caring for his patients in Amble, Northumberland.
Tom was a Sunderland lad, educated at Barnard Castle School from 1947 to 1954, and developed a love of biology and botany. He was a senior scout with a first class badge and a first class shot in the combined cadet force, and he took an active interest in school sports and games. He read medicine at Durham University and qualified as an MB BS in 1959.
After serving his hospital internships Dr Reynolds became locum, then assistant to Dr Thompson of Amble, whom he succeeded in the early 1960s.
Dr Reynolds married Isobel Handyside of Amble, a midwife and member of the well known fishing family of Boulmer and Amble.
In the 1970s Dr Reynolds formed a group practice together with Drs Newton, Robertson, Lilly, and Donald of Broomhill, Radcliffe, Acklington, and Warkworth.
Tom was a conscientious, old-style family doctor noted for his generosity with his time, expertise, and financial help. He was always available to his colleagues and patients, family, village organisation, and leisure occupations. While making full use of laboratories and other diagnostic facilities he retained an active scientific mind and would often reach a diagnosis using a microscope and reagents while waiting for results.
Tom was president of Warkworth Flower Show and editor of the Pelican Parish Magazine for many years, and was active in the organisation of Warkworth Care Committee, Warkworth Abbeyfield, Warkworth Walkers, the Amble Monday Club, the Denise Hodgson trust, and Acklington Prison Visitors reception (and became an honorary member of the WRVS in order to perform this duty!). As a Rotarian Tom was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship Award in 2003 for his service to the community. He was a supporter of the United Reformed Church and St Lawrence’s Parish Church of Warkworth. He was a member of the Bridge Club, was often behind scenes in the Pageant, and took an interest in all village activities.
Though Tom’s faith was sorely tried at times, his Christian love extended to acts such as offering a needy patient a bed in his house for the night, and while making house calls he would often light the fire for an elderly infirm patient.
Tom lost his beloved wife, Isobel, in June 1997, a cruel bereavement so early in his retirement.
Tom is survived by his much loved family, his brother Peter, his children, Jane and David, and his grandchildren, Ben and Holly. [W G Donald]
See more
- Introductory AddressProv Med Surg J October 03, 1840, s1-1 (1) 1-4; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.s1-1.1.1
- Report of the Meeting of the Eastern Branch of the Provincial Association at Bury St. Edmond'sProv Med Surg J October 03, 1840, s1-1 (1) 10-13; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.s1-1.1.10
- Mr. Warburton's Bill for the Regulation of the Medical ProfessionProv Med Surg J October 03, 1840, s1-1 (1) 13-15; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.s1-1.1.13
- An Atlas of Plates, illustrative of the Principles and Practice of Obstetric Medicine and Surgery, with descriptive LetterpressProv Med Surg J October 03, 1840, s1-1 (1) 4; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.s1-1.1.4
- A Practical Treatise on the Diseases peculiar to Women, illustrated by Cases, &cProv Med Surg J October 03, 1840, s1-1 (1) 4-5; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.s1-1.1.4-a