Obituary: John Poppleton, doctor

John Poppleton, who has died at 90, was a long-serving family doctor in Scarborough who was also involved in with many local good causes and societies.

Born in London to Harry and Sally Ann Poppleton, his father worked for Unilever and moved before the war to Selby, where his son attended Drax Grammar School and earned a scholarship to medical school.

He studied medicine at Leeds University and completed his National Service in the Royal Navy, where he was ship’s doctor on HMS Owen.

When he left the Navy he worked first in York but moved to Scarborough in response to a letter, sent to the local MP, highlighting the need for more doctors in the town. He began work at Dr Walker’s practice at the Claremont surgery and took it over when he retired.

He and his wife, Margaret, whom he married in 1959, were members of the local Round Table, with Dr Poppleton often playing Father Christmas at seasonal events. They also served as trustees for Wheelhouse Square amenity housing, collecting funds for a dialysis centre, and Dulverton Hall, a supported housing scheme in Scarborough.

Dr Poppleton was also instrumental in helping to raise money to buy a CT scanner for Scarborough Hospital and an organ for St Martin’s Church.

Margaret died in 2012 and their daughter, Frances, shortly afterwards. Dr Poppleton is survived by their other children, Timothy, Robert, Susan and Paul.