Deaths

R. L. Beckett

IN tribute to Richard Longhurst Beckett (VR, September 5, 2009, vol 165, p 297), BVJ writes: Dick Beckett was born in 1923 in Highgate, London, but later moved to St Albans. He attended St Albans School, playing in both the rugby and cricket teams, beginning a lifetime interest in sport. Leaving school in the war years, he joined the Fleet Air Arm as a navigator. After the war, he came under some pressure from his father to follow him in a business career. However, he quietly insisted that he had made up his mind to become a veterinary surgeon, and entered the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), qualifying in 1950 - one of the group who spent their time at both Camden Town and Streatley.

His objective was to be in practice, and he learned the hard way as an assistant: one post found him operating in the practice yard due to lack of space and facilities (cancelled if raining!). However, all changed in 1952, when he married Judith Bailes, who had qualified from the RVC in 1951 - the start of a happy and successful 57 years of marriage. Together they acquired a mixed practice at Station Parade, Harrogate, and over the years built both its reputation and size, later being joined by Harry Creyke, another RVC 1951 graduate.

Like all successful practitioners, Dick had a wealth of stories. One of my favourites was when he was asked by a travelling circus owner to look at some coughing chimpanzees. On arrival, he was told that before he could examine the females he would have to be accepted by the leader of the group. The cage was opened and the large male approached; Dick was apprehensive until he held out his hand and the chimpanzee shook it - all was well and the examination...