Tribute: Dr Colin Riley

Dr Colin Riley, a long-serving GP in Wendover, died peacefully on 13 February 2023, surrounded by his children. He had lived very actively and independently for several years with Alzheimer's, before moving into full-time care. The family are very grateful for the support of Wendover Dementia Support and the Dementia Café.

In 1958, after national service at RAF Halton hospital specialising in obstetrics, Dr Riley joined the Wendover GP practice of Drs Orme and MacConnell. When they retired in 1964, he became head of the growing practice, managing the initial construction of the Health Centre and the integration of medical services provided there - quite a new concept at the time.

He was known for his total dedication to the community. When council workers arrived with chainsaws to chop down the mature lime trees along Aylesbury Road, he objected vociferously - and successfully. Together with Tony Mogford and Frank Goodson, he established the Wendover Society and became its President, promoting Wendover as a thriving community and protecting the fabric of our historic village and its surroundings.

He was President and odd-job man for the Youth Centre for many years - a natural DIY 'fixer', he was always making or mending something and could often be found up a ladder or on the roof. After retirement in 1994, he retained his links with the Health Centre by volunteering and fundraising for the Friends of the Surgery. He was an active fundraiser for a number of local charities, and also for RNLI – he was a Sea Scout in his youth and spent many happy hours messing about in boats in adult life, both in Cornwall and nearer home.

He obtained his pilot's licence and flew small planes, gliders and microlights; and he loved his cars, ranging from a red Morgan (before the arrival of his six children) to a classic Mercedes sports car (after the children had left), and including a bubble car and a Riley marque Mini. From spring to late autumn, he could often be found on his ride-on mower - the family called him the Lawn Ranger. Music of all kinds was important to him, and his own piano repertoire ranged from Fats Waller to Bach. A committed churchgoer, he had a special fondness for the quiet of the 8am services. He was devoted to his wife, Diana, whom he met aged 17 when they were both at medical school. She died in 2007, but Dr Riley continued to live in the same home where they brought up their family.

He is survived by six children and 13 grandchildren, scattered across the UK and occasionally further afield, who all miss him very much.

Recent observations about Dr Riley on Facebook:

Denise Bell - Dr Riley was our family doctor for many many years & I remember his kindness, humour & dedication to being a GP, as well as to Wendover. Such a wonderful Dr & a gentleman. Condolences to all of his family & friends.

Ginnette Field - RIP Dr Riley. I grew up with his children, played in the pool in the back garden. He was a brilliant GP back in the day when home visits (usually caused by me getting into some kind of scrape) were the norm and he would pop across the road to our house. In more recent years he was a kind and generous neighbour (via the back garden of the Red House) to my elderly mum. He gave so much to our community and will be missed by many.

Sue Atkinson - He was incredibly supportive of Wendover Youth Club when myself and Kate Jones ran it. Very generous with his time and enthusiasm to keep it running after BCC stepped away. I hope many of the young people who attended the Youth Club will see this and recognise his contribution, enabling us all to have some great memories.