A RESPECTED GP who helped Barnsley patients for 40 years has died.
Born in India, Dr Davendra Singh studied medicine at Calcutta Medical College before moving to the UK in 1967, with his wife Asha joining him six months later.
Only two years after moving – in 1969 – he became partner at Park Grove Medical Centre, formerly Park Grove Surgery, where he was the GP for over 40 years, helping thousands of people and treating many generations of the same family.
His eldest daughter – who was inspired by her father to pursue a career in medicine herself – Dr Salone Goodman, said: “Dad was kind, warm-hearted and generous to everyone.
“He came over when Barnsley was still a mining town and treated generations of miners.
“This was before computers, so he would remember patients’ records by heart.”
Alongside his medical practice, Davendra was a successful trainer of GPs for 22 years.
Having retired in 2010, he knew that his home was in Barnsley and decided to stay in the town he’d fallen in love with so many years earlier.
He died peacefully at the age of 87 in Barnsley Hospice on November 3, with his wife of 57 years by his side.
“He loved Barnsley, he wanted to stay here and wanted to die here, so he got his wish,” Salone added.
“There’s been a huge amount of people who’ve sent in messages.
“We’ll always miss him, but he was a good age and went calmly and peacefully – it was his time.”
His other daughter, Raemy Singh, added: “Dad was a kind, loving man who always greeted people with a warm smile.
“He made everyone feel comfortable.”
People wishing to pay their respects can attend the funeral held on November 17 at 2.10pm in Barnsley Crematorium.
His family have asked that any donations in his memory go to Barnsley Hospice, who helped him through his final moments.
