A service of celebration for the life of respected local GP, Dr. David Hurle, was held at St. Issell's Church, Saundersfoot, on Saturday.
A senior partner at Saundersfoot Surgery, Dr. Hurle passed away with tragic suddenness on March 17.
On Saturday, the community of South Pembrokeshire came together to pay their respects to a man who had touched so many lives at a service, organised by his partner Julie and their five-year-old son Edward.
Conducted by Rev. Canon Michael Butler, assisted by Rev. Robin Webley, the service included a professional tribute by his Surgery partner, Dr. Kim O'Docherty and personal tributes by Mrs. Rosemary Tippett Maudsley and Geoff Davies.
The service also included a violin solo by young Robbie Godwin and musical items by Edward and his friends from St. Issell's Sunday School and Netherwood School.
Rev. Canon Butler gave a reading 'How long is a Man's life?' and the hymns 'Joy to the world the Lord has come', 'Lord, the light of your love is shining' and 'Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer' were movingly sung by the capacity congregation.
Dr. Hurle lived with his partner Julie, son Edward, aged five, and Tudor, 16 months, at Greenfields, Wooden. Many happy hours were spent at Greenfields. These years were filled with laughter and fun, whether he was leading Edward on his pony, teaching him golf or having water fights in the garden.
At the age of three, Edward joined St. Issell's Sunday School. Through Edward's involvement in the church, David's faith was rekindled and on July 7, 2002, he and his partner Julie were confirmed with a group by the Bishop, watched with great delight by their son Edward.
There were two sides to Dr. Hurle's personality. On a professional basis he was serious and direct, while people who knew him socially found it difficult to equate this fun-loving exuberant personality with the person they visited in the surgery.
Dr. Hurle will be greatly missed in the area for many reasons, including his experience as a senior partner at Saundersfoot and Kilgetty Surgery; his commitment to care in the community and individual patients.
Families in the area have fond memories of Dr. Hurle, helping them from the happy times of birth to the sad times of death. His professional opinion was greatly valued by many of his patients who spoke so highly of him. He was a wonderful doctor and friend.
Outside general practice, Dr. Hurle was a police surgeon in Tenby; he was also responsible for medicals for the Benefits Agency and AA.
In March, 2002, Dr. Hurle was approached by members of his surgery who wanted to set up a charity to purchase equipment for Kilgetty and Saundersfoot Medical Centres. He thought it was a great idea and the humorous name of QUACKS was born. His partner Julie was asked to become president, and agreed.
Dr. Hurle was amazed by the generosity of local people and enjoyed keeping abreast of progress.
He was both proud and pleased to receive equipment that benefited everyone in the area, including main finger pulse oximeters which measure oxygen in the blood. One was given to each doctor, as well as for the Kilgetty and Saundersfoot surgeries.
Sadly, Dr. Hurle passed away just before he was due to be presented with the equipment he had ordered through the funds raised by the generosity of people who visited the Kilgetty Christmas lights. The equipment is now being used by the doctors and nurses at the two surgeries.
So far the magnificent sum of £12,000 has been raised by QUACKS, who will be continuing their good work throughout the year.
David had a strong passion for skiing, making many friends on the ski slopes in different resorts throughout the world. He was a proficient skier, with tremendous energy, enjoying playing the harmonica on ski lifts, the heart and soul of apres ski, singing 'Sospan Fach', regardless of nationality.
He was also a keen swimmer for many years at Tenby Leisure Centre, either early morning or late evening, three to four times a week, where he made many friends.
David enjoyed playing golf with many members of Tenby Golf Club, as well as with his friend Joe and sons Rhidian and Brynley. He would always encourage novices and took great delight taking players out on the links for the first time. He even purchased a set of miniature golf clubs for his son Edward.
Passionate about rugby, David had a burning desire to visit Australia. This was realised in 2001 when with great excitement he joined friends from Pembrokeshire on a Lions tour to Australia. Once again, his vocal chords led the singing.
Dr. Hurle had a positive, vibrant attitude to life. He was a hugely popular figure, a proud Welshman; he lived life to the very full and will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humour.
Dr. Hurle's passing has deprived the area of one of its finest doctors. He will be sorely missed by his young family, partners, colleagues, patients, neighbours and friends.