TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-known Grange doctor who has died aged 94.

John Nightingale served as a GP to people all over South Lakeland during his time in work. He died in Cartmel Grange Care Home, on April 9.

He was born in Bolton in 1924. He was brought up with brother Bill and sister Mary. As a boy he enjoyed scouting and swimming and did well at Bolton School.

Although many of the family were involved in the cotton industry, Dr Nightingale studied medicine at Manchester University and qualified in 1947.

He had to do National Service and had a variety of jobs around Manchester and Aldershot.

After the war many doctors were returning to England and competition for jobs was intense. In 1954 he forfeited his desire to specialise in general medicine and became a partner in Bob Mason’s practice in Grange.

In those days, general practice was a way of life, not just a job. He was on call every second night, every second weekend and did three surgeries on a Saturday. His wife Doreen usually had to stay in to look after the phone.

In the days before bleeps and mobiles, communication was difficult and depended on knowing neighbours who had phones.

A flag pole was raised in Witherslack when he was needed to make urgent house calls after doing his branch surgery.

GPs did everything, all emergencies, midwifery and casualty. There were no paramedics and ambulances were often miles away.

When Dr Mason retired, Dr Nightingale had to find new premises.

A suitable building was found in the form of McLures fruit and veg shop on Windermere Road.

Dr Nightingale, soon to be joined by Richard and Jane Norman, converted the property and named it Nutwood Surgery. Subsequently it became a Chapel of Rest.

He married Doreen in Bolton in 1948. They had first met at a Home Guard dance in 1942.

Dr Nightingale loved his garden and gained great satisfaction from growing fruit and vegetables.

Photography was especially important in his early retirement. He enjoyed the technical side and joined the local society, frequently entering competitions and winning.

His greatest enjoyment however was walking. For years he followed in the steps of Wainwright up most fells with a following family of variable enthusiasm.

His son Peter said: “We have witnessed his many virtues and received many gifts. We must remember the enduring strength of mum and dad’s partnership that never wavered.

“For all that, it was and is family that were most important to Mum and Dad. For almost 69 years, they have cherished us, nurtured us and supported us. We have been their first priority and as a family, they have provided us all with love and security.”