Tributes pour in following sudden death of Ulverston dentist
Tributes have poured in following the sudden death of a retired dentist from Ulverston.
Gordon Thistlethwaite died on May 19th after an accident at home. The 79-year-old was a popular, well-known figure in the community, having run a dental surgery in Ulverston for most of his career. Gordon grew up in the town and spent many years treating patients locally after graduating from Glasgow University in the late 1960s.
During his long and successful career as a dentist, Gordon ran the surgery in Benson Street and regular denture clinics at Furness Dental Lab in Barrow. His practice was renowned for the statuesque rocking horse that stood proudly in the waiting room, which is remembered fondly by generations of patients. Over the years, Gordon got to know many families in Ulverston and he was hugely popular among colleagues and patients.
Gordon was married to his wife, Louise, for 28 years and the couple lived in Ireleth for most of their marriage. Outside of work, Gordon kept himself busy with multiple hobbies, including playing and watching rugby and playing the piano. He was a former secretary of Furness Rugby Union Club and had an extensive network of friends in the area.
Gordon’s wife, Louise, described him as a “wonderful, kind man who saw the best in people and had a huge joy of life” and added that he was “always young at heart, positive, modest and more popular than he ever realised.” Lifelong friend, pharmacist Ashley Hewitt, said that his friend was “always such fun to be around.” Ralph Spours, master of ceremonies at the couple’s wedding in 1994, paid tribute to Gordon’s kind and caring nature, describing him as a “true gentleman.”
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