HE was a family doctor in Carlisle for 43 years.

Much-loved, admired and respected, Dr John Bone dedicated his entire career in general practice to caring for the people of his adopted city, from cradle to grave. He passed away on June 7 at Eden Valley Hospice aged 68.

In a moving tribute, his son Jonathan, 32, who followed his father into medicine, spoke of being inspired by Dr Bone’s compassion and professionalism – and by his lifelong determination to support as well as treat his patients.

Dr Bone first came to Carlisle in 1974, eventually becoming a partner at St Paul’s Medical Practice.

“He had time for everybody, a good sense of humour, and he was always a gentleman,” said his son, a Surgeon Lieutenant Commander serving with the Royal Navy as an anaesthetist in Portsmouth.

“My father dedicated himself as a doctor to the people of Carlisle. You walk down the street, and everyone has a story to tell about him and how he looked after someone in their family.

“One of the greatest pleasures of his general practice career was the cradle to grave approach, seeing patients through their entire lives, which I think is lost from general practice now.

“He was one of the final, traditional family doctors.

“I remember his tales about when he’d do house visits. He wouldn’t just sort your medical problems. While he was there, he’d also put your bins out, cleaned your guttering and cut your lawn. He cared about the whole person.”

Born in Middlesbrough, John Bone completed his medical training at Newcastle University. His career included a stint as occupational advisor to Cumbrian Newspapers. He was also a police doctor for Cumbria Constabulary. Jonathan said he has sought in his career to follow his father’s example.

“He was absolutely dedicated to his job; it brought him a great deal of pleasure. What a wonderful doctor he was. I try to be as compassionate as he taught me you need to be.”

In one interview, Dr Bone spoke of the need for general practice to have “continuity of care,” and how he feared that was being lost in recent years.

Away from work, in retirement, Dr Bone followed his other great passion in life: walking the fells and mountains. He had already completed an impressive 188 of the 214 so-called Wainwrights peaks in Lakeland.

“I’ll be completing the remaining 26 for him, and raising money for Eden Valley Hospice in the process,” added Jonathan.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, there will be a small private service for Dr Bone in Carlisle next week. There will be a commemoration at a later date. Dr Bone also leaves his daughter-in-law Holley, (also a GP), grandsons Ewan, three, four month-old Finlay, and his wife Jan.