Sydney Sefton

SYDNEY Sefton, who was a well respected family doctor in Leeds and one of the world’s leading amateur radio operators, has died aged 85.

He spent more than 41 years in general practice and was so well thought of by his patients that, even 15 years after his retirement when in failing health they would telephone to ask how “Doctor” was keeping.

Dr Sefton was born in Belfast and was the elder of two children whose father was born in Leeds. He studied medicine at the city’s Queens University, qualifying in 1949 with degrees in Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor of the Art of Obstetrics.

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He served for four years as part of his National Service in the Merchant Navy as senior ships’ surgeon, having responsibility for 1,000 passengers and 500 crew.

Between 1949 and 1953, he travelled to many parts of the world, but primarily on the Atlantic Ocean route from Liverpool, down though the Panama Canal to South America.

In 1954, he entered general practice in Cleckheaton, before starting his own practice serving the communities of Middleton and Belle Isle, in Leeds, until his retirement in 1995.

He also made a major contribution to West Yorkshire’s Family Planning Service, as senior instructing family planning doctor based in Otley.

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For many years he lectured and examined in first aid for the St John Ambulance, and performed the same duties for the Post Office. He was also treasury medical officer for South Leeds.

During his years at sea, he developed an interest in radio communications and later became one of the world’s leading amateur radio operators. Over more than two decades, he reached the top of the American Radio Society’s “Honor Roll”.

He achieved this number one status in the world in 1992 by making contact with the highest number of radio operators in different countries.

He made many friends around the world through amateur radio, including the late King Hussein of Jordan, who invited him to his palace in Aqaba.

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Dr Sefton was full of fun and laughter. In later years, he suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, which in time deprived him of his speech and mobility, yet he always retained his love for his family, friends and carers.

Dr Sefton is survived by Madeleine, his wife of 53 years, their four children and five grandchildren.