A GP who served as a GP at a Keighley town centre practice for 30 years has died.

Dr Carolyn Gill, of West Morton, died in hospital in Leeds following a short illness. She was 65 years old.

She had worked at Ling House Medical Centre for 30 years, and retired in the summer of 2012.

She leaves behind two brothers – Simon and Nick. Simon said: “No longer having my sister is a tremendous shock. She was a very special person and her illness was so sudden. It’s desperately sad and I can’t believe she’s no longer with us.

“She was determined to have a busy retirement. She had such a full life and was always willing to help her community.

Dr Gill was originally from Altrincham, in Manchester, and trained at Middlesex Hospital Medical School, in London.

She moved to the Keighley area to work at Ling House in 1981. She married local man David Williams in 2003, but he died in 2009. Her brother said she remained extremely active after she finished work, citing her passion for folk music and dancing.

“She’d loved folk music and folk dancing ever since she was a teenager,” he said.

“She went to meetings of the Bacca Pipes Folk Club in Keighley and every year she’d go to Whitby Folk Festival. She sang for the Silsden Singers community choir and after she’d finished working at Ling House she organised a singing group at the surgery. She also helped organise a ceilidh club in Addingham.”

Dr Gill was a member of a patient group for Springfield Surgery, in Bingley, and ran CPR training sessions at Morton Institute and in other venues. 

She supported a bereavement counselling service at Manorlands and backed a variety of other charities including the RSPB, the National Trust, Guide Dogs for the Blind and a Samaritans branch in Leeds.

She was involved with the campaign against the planned Keighley waste to energy incinerator and was keen on literature, attending events organised for Ilkley Literature Festival.

A celebration of her life will be staged at Keighley’s Victoria Hall at midday on Friday January 18th. All are welcome to attend.

Dr Neil Smith, Ling House senior partner who was a colleague of Dr Gill’s for many years, said: “Dr Gill was a partner at Ling House Medical Centre from 1981 to 2012.

“She was an extremely hard-working and dedicated General Practitioner, who always put the care and welfare of her patients above all else.

“Carolyn often worked long into the evening to ensure everything possible was done for her patients, many of whom will be extremely sad to learn of her death. After retirement Carolyn continued to care for people with true compassion, volunteering at Manorlands and manning the telephone for the Samaritans.

“She’ll be missed by those who worked with her, and those she looked after.”

Community answers

BOOK OF CONDOLENCE: Doctor Carolyn Gill

"Leave your messages of tribute for former Keighley GP Dr Carolyn Gill, who has died aged 65. Messages will be reviewed by staff before appearing on this page."

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Deborah Rehmat

What is your response?Dr Gill was my GP for several years before she retired, and words can't express how wonderfully supportive she was at a time when I badly needed the help she so skillfully and willingly gave. I have never known a doctor so unfailingly generous with her time, or so sensitive and attentive. She really understood how kindness is an essential part of healing - but kindness was an essential part of her nature. I will always remember her with gratitude and love.

From Gail Hoĺland

What is your response?Such a sad loss of a wonderful compassionate doctor. Saw both myself and my family through some trying times, and never stood in judgement. A truly lovely soul RIP Dr Caroline.

From Neelam Anayat

What is your response?A gentle and kind lady who went over and beyond to help her patients she will not be forgotten.

From Community contributor

What is your response?I am deeply saddened by the news of Dr Gill passing.May her soul rest in peace, I firmly believe that God will accept her with open arms for all the good she has done while he/she was on this earth.I will surely miss the presence of a truly loveable and kind person xx

From Jean Acrid

What is your response?Dr Gill, a lovely, lovely lady and a fantastic & professional doctor. You will be sadly missed. RIP

From Jacqueline Simpson

What is your response?Dr Gill didn't care about fancy hair do's or designer clothes, she cared about what really matters in life - helping people. I am glad she didn't suffer a long drawn out illness, she didn't deserve that. She is now reunited with her beloved David and her dogs. Rest in Peace dear Dr Gill, your kindness will never be forgotton.

From Community contributor

What is your response?Lovely lady, i remember seeing her from a young age. She was always polite and calmly spoken very professional. RIP xxx

From Linda Dufton

What is your response?Dr Gill was my family doctor for many years she always went above and beyond never ever only taking 5 mins for an appointment. In the last few years my relationship with Dr Gill was resumed when she fostered an elderly dog for Aireworth dogs in need she gave that old dog the love he needed . I always called her doctor when we spoke even though she asked me to use her Christian name but she worked hard for the title of doctor and I felt she still deserved to have that title used . Rest in peace lovely lady xx

From Jean Fairlie

What is your response?I am so sad to here of Dr Gills death,she was my Doctor for a lot of years,she was very caring and compassionate and always gave you her time. It is such a shame she has gone so young,she will be missed by lots of people..Mrs Jean Fairlie..RIP..

From Naila Bi

What is your response?Dr Gill was my doctor from the day I joined the surgery and until she retired, she was kind and understanding she was also my family members doctor and they all liked her and the way she treated her patients

From Mohammad Hussain

What is your response?Very sorry to hear the death of this well respected person. I have a great deal of respect for people who give back to society in the way Dr Gill has and so pray for her and her family.

From JANET CRODEN

What is your response?Dr Carolyn Gill.... was such a lovely woman, one of the best Doctors & lady I have ever met. Caring, welcoming, diligent, a heart of gold, for every patient, & anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. What she did for my mum ( & me ) was above & beyond what was required of her...... A GREAT LOSS...... NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN :(