Doctor and Lord-Lieutenant of Orkney;
Born: February 16, 1940; Died: May 17, 2013.
Dr Tony Trickett MBE, who died last weekend, served for almost three decades as GP for the residents of Hoy, Walls and Longhope, but his championing of the wider Orkney communities went far beyond their mere physical health. A longterm supporter of numerous cultural events and organisations on the islands, Dr Trickett’s hard work and support helped, according to local MSP Liam McArthur, to “enhance the vibrancy of the community… he was proud to call his own”.
Dr Trickett’s early medical career took him the length and breadth of the UK; during the late 1960s he practised in several Mancunian hospitals and also at the University of Manchester before beginning his GP work in Pembroke, Dyfed. He moved to Orkney in 1973, almost immediately beginning a life-long association with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution station at Longhope—originally as honorary medical officer, but later as honorary secretary and also operations manager. He was able to contribute his growing expertise to the wider RNLI as a Divisional Medical Advisor and as a member of its Medical and Survival Committee. In recognition of his work, the RNLI awarded him its Silver Badge in 1994 and its Gold Badge in 2004.
Dr Trickett was also a driving force behind the establishment of the Longhope Lifeboat Museum Trust, serving for a time as its chairman. When the museum was officially opened in July 2002 by its patron, HRH The Princess Royal, she was shown around and introduced to past and present crews by Dr Trickett who, it has been said, was always at ease during such occasions.
A spokesperson for the RNLI described Dr Trickett as “an inspiration and wonderful friend to us all” who “will be greatly missed, particularly in Longhope where he was our resident doctor for 27 years. His dedication, enthusiasm and involvement within the Longhope Lifeboat will always be treasured and fondly remembered.”
Dr Trickett’s commitment to the local community was not confined to its invaluable lifeboat, however. For many years he was a trustee of the Island of Hoy Development Trust, becoming its chairman in 1992. He was also a trustee of the Pickaquoy Centre (a sports, arts and leisure centre in Kirkwall) and served as director of Orkney Enterprise between 2000 and 2006. Other causes close to his heart were the Gable End Theatre in Hoy, of which he was a director, and the Hoy Half Marathon, which he co-founded with the then Stromness and South Isles councillor, the late John Eccles.
In recognition of his community work Dr Trickett was awarded an MBE in 1998; the following year, he was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Orkney. He subsequently served as Vice Lord-Lieutenant from 2005 and as Lord-Lieutenant from 2007. “Tony channelled his considerable energy into his duties as an ambassador for Orkney,” according to Orkney Islands Council convener Councillor Steven Heddle. “Tony will be remembered for his tireless work on behalf of our community. He was a passionate advocate for the island where he made his home.” The flag at the council offices in Kirkwall was flown at half mast as a mark of respect.
The President of the Kirkwall Branch of the Royal British Legion, Bryan Taylor, told the Orcadian newspaper that Dr Trickett was a very staunch member and supporter of the Legion. “He always attended everything he was invited to involving the Legion over the years, and we appreciated his interest very much,” said Mr Taylor, who added that Dr Trickett was instrumental in ensuring the presence of the branch’s first royal visitor, HRH The Princess Royal, when they marked the 70th anniversary of the loss of HMS Royal Oak in 2000.
On Monday May 20, the Liberal Democrat MSP for Orkney, Liam McArthur, paid tribute by lodging a parliamentary motion recognising Dr Trickett’s “selfless and tireless work” and the Parliament’s confidence that “although his passing will be very keenly felt in Orkney and beyond, he has left a lasting and hugely positive legacy”. The motion, which outlined Dr Trickett’s many achievements, gained support from across all of the parties in Holyrood.
Dr Trickett is survived by his wife, Liz, and their family.
First published by The Herald, 31 May 2013; read more 31 May 2013.
