Dr James Robertson

Born in Longtown, Cumbria, the son of Cicely and Dr Douglas Robertson, he and the family moved to Thornton-le-Dale, near Pickering, when he

was about 10, his father having a practice there.

He went to Lisvane School in Scarborough and then was a boarder at Trent College near Nottingham. He attended medical school at Leeds, as did his father.

There he met his future wife Mary Simpson who was also studying medicine.

After graduation, he worked as a Surgical Houseman and then did National Service in the RAF before becoming a locum General Practitioner and worked in public health as school doctor in York.

In 1955, he attended the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and attained his Diploma in Public Health and Diploma of Industrial Health.

In 1957, he moved to Barton to work as Medical Officer of Health for Barton upon Humber, Brigg, and Glanford Brigg.

In addition to his main work, he retained his interest in epidemiology and became involved in research into toxoplasmosis.

Although he was typically modest about it, perhaps the pinnacle of his achievement was to be awarded the OBE for services to medicine.

He retired in 1985 at the age of 61.

There were two sides to Dr Robertson: the devoted family man – gentle, kind and caring – and the idealist with iron determination and an indestructible sense of justice.

Uniting the two was a mischievous sense of humour which made him the life and soul of any gathering. His memory was formidable, making him a dogged debater.

With a sharp intellect, he was interested in all matters of science, art, music, and literature. Against all odds, he and a small group of others, fought to prevent the demolition of The Queen Street School in Barton. The school is now restored to its original condition as a Wilderspin National School and is recognised as a national treasure.

Despite losing his sight over the last 10 years owing to macular degeneration, his determination to lead a normal life was remarkable. He was renowned in Barton for his love of walking which he continued to do until two months before he died. He retained his love of sailing, music, and archaeology to the end.

Dr Robertson, who has died aged 85, is survived by his wife Mary and their three children and nine grandchildren.