Menu

In Loving Memory of

Dick Tyrrell

Dick was a much loved member of the 1973 student intake at Charing Cross Hospital Medical School. He was a kind and caring friend to all who knew him, an active member of the student union, an enthusiastic rugby player and later a well respected GP in Portsmouth and devoted husband, father and grandfather. His sudden and unexpected passing on October 26th, shortly after celebrating his seventieth birthday with his wife Cathy, his sons George and Sam and his three granddaughters has shocked and saddened us all. This book of condolences has been created to allow Dick’s fellow students in his year at “the Cross” to share their personal memories of him with his family and friends. We were fortunate to know Dick but he has left us far too soon. We will miss his big personality, his generosity, his cheerfulness, his smile and his infectious laughter.

Book Owner: Andrew Stacey

Book Size:  80 Messages

View Condolences
Add New Condolence Message

Patrick Hogston

Have just heard today (13th March) that Dick died last year. Shocked. Far too young of course. Having started Med School together we both ended up in Portsmouth where not only were we colleagues but Dick was our lovely family GP for over 20 years. Helped us all out at various times and we were always glad of his timely actions and sensible advice. A great loss. Sincere condolences to Cathy, George and Sam from Patrick and Carrie….

Frankie Dormon

What more can I say? My colleagues have said it all.  Dick was just one of a kind.  I hope you have his laugh on tape.  Jamie and I were devastated when we heard the news.  Jamie was particularly grateful in those early years at Inman Hall, when Dick showed his wonderful ability to make people feel at ease,  even though Jamie knew nothing about medicine!!  They both spoke the language of beer.  Our thoughts are with Cathy and the rest of the family.  We are so greateful that we were all able to meet up at the wonderful reunion so recently.  Dick,  larger than life and forever in my memory.  …

Mick Regan

I am so glad we had our CXHMS 50 year reunion last month so we all have recent happy memories of Dick. He was such a lovely man and always greeted you with his happy smiling face. He never changed and I am sure he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. …

Robert Stewart

So sad to hear of Dick’s death He was very special and the many references to him being a smiling gentle giant of a man with a cheeky laugh resonates so much with me He was like this when I first knew him as a CXHMS medical student in 1978 and I feel privileged to have been able to connect back with him recently and he continued to be a smiling gentle giant of a man with a cheeky laugh! My lasting memories will be helping him back to the tube after our CXHMS musketeer lunch in January 2023 – he was obviously in some difficulty with his walking and readily accepted my help but would have managed on his own without complaints if this had not been offerred Dick made me smile always and when he was around there was an atmosphere of fun and friendship I know that your loss must be very great – please accept my condolences – my thoughts are with you, Cathy, George and Sam Robert Stewart…

Sylvie Robinson (Ellis)

Cathy and family, Pat and Deidre. I am very sorry for your loss. Where to begin with so many memories. Dick always in the back row of the lecture theatre. Shaving off his beard to improve his chances in vivas but just confusing the examiners. His passion and hard work as union treasurer and running the new bar that were rewarded by tea next to the queen mother when she opened our building. His weird rocking chair, cowpat-like shoes and beloved Max Boyce record. His pride in his family especially the original Dick and Pat as she became a nurse. His enthusiasm for all sports from pitch and putt to fell walking and his dislike of the met police rugby team His bond with John Owen who introduced him to the art of general practice But most of all his joy in people, eating drinking and sharing stories. His loyalty to friends and love for him family Irreplaceable, I hope you have found a celestial pub Sylvie …

Jane Deal

This is such sad, sad news. Dick was, in the very best of ways, and in every sense, larger than life with such a wonderful, positive character. He was always smiling and had such a characteristic laugh – I can hear it now. Dick must have been, I’m sure, a wonderful doctor to his patients and a great colleague as he possessed all the attributes that one would wish for in a GP. Our future Charing Cross reunions will not be the same without him – he will be sorely missed. Rest in peace Dick x…

John Coop

Such sad news. The photograph with his grandchildren shows Dick in his element with his memorable smile. At our recent reunion the last person I spoke to was Dick and as ever he as as cheerful as when we met in Freshers Week. We have lost a special friend and colleague….

Dave Cleal

Lynn and I were deeply saddened by the news of Dick’s passing. Our thoughts are particularly with Cathy, George and Sam, but also his extended family and his many friends. He will be missed. Many will have mentioned his smile, laugh and happy demeanour. He was generous, kind and a legend of the front row union. At the X we played many a game together at the coal face, where he looked after me. It was an honour and pleasure to be friends.He was one of the best of us. At last months reunion, it was great to catch up. One story gave us a good laugh. Our last rugby match we played together was at Cobham, a past versus present game. At one point we both went to tackle an opponent from opposite sides. Our agreed joint recollection was he was enormous and we flattened him. However we clashed heads. Both subsequently requiring sutures. I don’t recall who did the stitching, but he told both of us separately that there was only 1 vial of local. At the reunion it became apparent that we had both said the other should have it. Of course neither of us got…

Geoff Hollier

The world was always a better place when Dick was about – his constant smile and ready laugh lifted the day of all around. I regret that I was unable to get to the last reunion and missed seeing him once more. My deepest condolences to all his family Rest in Peace, Dick. Geoff Hollier…

Katharine Orton (Kathy Davis)

So sorry and sad to hear  that you  Dick  have passed away; too  early  immediately  after  your  70th. Your picture  shows you with  your  grandchilden, with the full  and happy smile that all  your  friends knew. I  will remember the kindness and  joy with which you  approached the  world. May  you  rest  in peace and  may your family  find comfort in  knowing how you  were loved by your friends. Kathy…

ian mcnaughton

Such sad news . Dick was always smiling and full of fun . I’m so pleased that I was able to meet up with him this year in London and Devon . Much love to all of his family ….

David Allen

What happy memories we all have of Dick. The gentle giant with a beautiful smile and infectious laugh that drew everyone to him. A kind, caring and compassionate man that all of us would have loved to have as our GP or as our colleague. I hugged Dick more than most of you in the year of ’73 as he was my wingman and minder in the front row; he never got riled or upset  by lippy opposition props, he simply used his size and technique to put them in their place! That always worked!! It was always a pleasure to catch up with Dick and Cathy at our reunions and I’m just sorry that I didn’t keep in closer contact with you both; my loss. We are all so much richer for the privilege of having known Dick and his sudden death leaves a huge hole in all of our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cathy, the boys and the grandchildren. With love, David and Judy Allen.   …

Stephen Chan

What a shock it has been  That Dick Tyrell should pass away so prematurely aged only 70 His infectious friendly smile  Was utterly unforgettable to CXHMS fellow students, class 1973  Deepest condolences to his wife, family and friends  He will be sadly sadly missed! Stephen Chan …

Judy Salkeld

I am so sad that we have lost Dickie, he was a lovely, lovely man. His smile and laugh never changed over the 50 years since we met up in Inman Hall. It’s been so good seeing more of him over the last year or so, we have lost a good friend. Sending my condolences to Cathy and the family. Judy x…

Maurice

Dick, Why did you leave us so soon? I only have the happiest memories of you. Who couldn’t love a bloke whose default expression was an enormous smile. Happiness and laughter was always cose at hand. I am sure your family are devastated but they should hold onto the wonderful memories they and I all have. Not a bad bone in your body.. Maurice P.S. If you remember our meeting several months ago, you owe me a pint. How do I access your estate?…