MUCH-loved Wiveliscombe GP John Rees has died suddenly at the age of 83.

Welshman Dr Rees was heavily involved in the community in his adopted town, particularly Wivey Rugby Club.

He moved to the town with his wife Barbara in 1969 to work in the GP practice, becoming senior partner following the retirement of his friend Dr David Watson.

Dr Rees was instrumental in moving the surgery to Lister House, in Bolloms Mead, as the town’s population and practice grew.

After he retired from general practice, he continued to work for the NHS up until last year in the capacity of a war pension medical assessor.

The role brought him into contact with many veterans and he took great interest in their stories and offered great support.

Dr Rees was community minded and generous with his time, always looking to improve or championing projects to benefit the residents of Wiveliscombe.

He was a talented three-quarter for the rugby club and later passed on his expertise in a coaching role.

He was an active member of the administration and management team and was club president at the time of his death.

He was also on the recreation ground and fireworks committees,

He was extremely popular around Wiveliscombe and beyond, as well as being a much-loved husband, father and grandfather.

His passions included his family, marathon running, gardening, rugby, steam trains and cars.

Dr Rees was born in Cardiff in 1938, the son of GP Llewelyn Rees.

He was educated at Epsom, Clare College Cambridge and St Thomas' Hospital, London.

He met his future wife, Barbara, at St Thomas’ through his sister Rosie, who was in the same nursing intake.

They married in January 1966 and went on to have three children, Martyn, Huw and Lizzie.

Before moving to Somerset, Dr Rees had a variety of medical positions in Wales and England.

A celebration service is being held at St Andrew's Church, Wiveliscombe, on May 21 at noon, with arrangements by Anthony James Funeral Director.

There will be a limit of 100 people in the church, but the service will be relayed by a PA system.