A FORMER medical officer for Kidderminster, who had to deal with outbreaks of infectious diseases such as polio, measles and diptheria in his time in the post, has died, aged 95.
Colin Starkie, who was also Kidderminster's schools medical officer, was appointed to the roles in 1947 and also served as deputy medical officer for Worcestershire.
During his time at Kidderminster, he wrote an annual report for town councillors, often criticising council houses which, at that time, were dilapidated.
Dr Starkie identified smoking as an important cause of lung cancer and spoke vehemently against it.
He worked with the late Gerald Nabarro MP on the Clean Air Bill in 1956.
Following his retirement in the early 1970s, Dr Starkie enjoyed his hobby of woodwork and helped other people with DIY projects.
He is survived by his wife, Joy.
Both of their daughters are doctors, as are their husbands.
The couple, who lived in Sutton Park Road, Kidderminster, had celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary.
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