TRIBUTES have been paid to a doctor described as one of the “giants of medicine in Worcestershire”

after his sudden death.

George Wilson, a GP in Uptonupon- Severn for 40 years, passed away in the early hours of Monday morning after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

Dr Wilson was the driving force behind Upton Surgery’s long-awaited move from School Lane to a £5.2 million state-ofthe- art centre at Tunnel Hill.

His retirement in December 2007 came just weeks after the new surgery had been opened.

Senior partner Susanna Everitt said news of his death had left everyone at the centre “deeply shocked and saddened”.

“He had a huge influence not just in Upton but in the whole of Worcestershire,” she said. “He was one of the real giants of medicine for the last 40 years.

“He was a wonderful, kind and compassionate doctor who will be very sadly missed by everyone in Upton.” Dr Wilson, who was 71, was the vice chairman of Worcestershire Health Authority for many years and heavily involved in the training of new GPs.

After retiring Dr Wilson joined Upton Town Council where he had become an established member, most recently leading negotiations with Malvern Hills District Council on car parking enforcement.

The town council issued a statement on Wednesday saying: “We were extremely saddened to hear of George’s death and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

“He was a diligent member of the council who took his duties seriously and carried them out with care and precision. His balanced and insightful contribution will be greatly missed.”

Mike Morgan, one of Upton’s district councillors, said: “He did so much for the development of Upton.

“He was a real force of good for the town and will be very sadly missed.”

Dr Wilson is survived by his children Jamie and Cathy who described him as a caring and sociable man who loved the countryside, bird-watching, cooking and, above all, his frequent rounds of golf.

“He was a truly wonderful man, so warm-hearted and generous and a brilliant father,”

said Mr Wilson.

“The outpouring of love for him from the community has been really extraordinary and has helped us greatly.

“It is testament to the man he was and tribute to a life well lived.”

Dr Wilson’s funeral takes place in Upton Parish Church at 2.30pm on Monday.