Marconi Veterans is sad to report the death of the long serving Marconi factory doctor, John Macbeth.
The following obituary appeared in the Chelmsford Weekly News on 23 September 2004.
Dr John Macbeth died earlier this month at the age of 84.
He trained during the blitz at the London Hospital and started the general medical practice on Melbourne Avenue, Chelmsford, in 1951. He quickly gained a reputation as a caring doctor.
He was appointed Marconi factory doctor in 1955 and honorary St John Ambulance medical officer soon afterwards. He took on a partner and the expansion of the practice continued; there were four partners when he finally retired in 1989.
Dr Macbeth was a founder member of the Royal College of General Practitioners and a medical referee at Chelmsford Crematorium.
An accomplished linguist, he refined his knowledge of German in retirement as well as pursuing his love of gardening and raising money for Farleigh Hospice by growing and selling cyclamen.
Dr Macbeth leaves a widow Bonny, who he met during army service in Libya, four daughters and six grandchildren.
Donations in his memory can be made to Farleigh Hospice or Marie Curie Nurses c/o Ketley and Son, 1 St John’s Road, Writtle, CM1 3EB.
A thanksgiving service will be held at All Saints Church, Writtle, on Thursday October 7 and will start at 6 pm. Former patients and colleagues are welcome to attend.