TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of local GP, Dr Rex Colwell, at the age of 87 after a fight with pneumonia and dementia.

Rex lived in Evesham for 60 years, most of which were taken up with his work as a GP, with a special interest in obstetrics.

His daughter, Anne Frost, said: “Many was the time when out and about, he would be approached by ex-patients who were eager to remind him that he had delivered their children or grandchildren or saved their lives.

“Even in his latter days, he would almost always remember them and, in his typical modest manner, be amazed that they should be so glad to see him.

“Some of the things people have said to me have been very gracious – ‘He represented the very best of  general practice, the kindest, gentlest and most thoughtful man, ‘a dedicated doctor and generous colleague’, ‘a talented athlete’, ‘his capacity to listen and sense of humour will be missed tremendously’.  

“He worked in the days when the local GP would have to visit patients in their homes at all times of the day and night, in addition to their surgeries (many held in the villages, as well as in Evesham) and hospital duties at Avonside and Briar Close.

“It was a rewarding and varied professional life, which he felt lucky to have experienced.”

Despite his busy working life, Rex played a huge part in local life, having been a Governor at Prince Henry’s School, an active member of the local Anglican church and founder member of the Friends of  Evesham Parish Church and Bell Tower, holding an annual fund raising tea party in his garden for 20 years.

He was Churchwarden of the church for many years, as well as a member of the choir and was an active member of the local Probus.

He sang with Cleeve Chorale and in earlier years, the Prince Henry Singers. Rex loved the countryside and was a member of a local rambling club until his knees would no longer allow him to walk far. 

Sadly, his beloved wife, Daphne, was taken from him early at the age of 65. He will be deeply missed by his three daughters, Anne, Susan and Cathy, eight grandchildren, great-grandchild and dear companion, Merry.

Anne said: “Unfortunately my father died during the height of the Covid-19 lockdown and only 10 members of the family were able to attend the funeral, whereas the church should have been full of his friends and people who knew him. We will be taking part in a ‘Memory Walk’ along the river in Evesham in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society on Sunday, September 27.

“If anyone would like to donate to this important cause in the fight against dementia in Rex’s memory, please do so on our Just Giving pages on justgiving.com/fundraising/Colwell or justgiving.com/fundraising/Colwells 1.