A "DEVOTED" father, long-standing GP and former mayor of Colchester has died, his family has confirmed. 

Dr Chris Hall, who moved to Colchester to work as a GP in 1968, died on Monday afternoon at the age of 85 surrounded by his family.

During his time as a doctor, he set up a vocational training scheme for GPs in Colchester which he ran for 12 years.

He also helped redevelop Ambrose Avenue Group Practice and open a new surgery in Tollgate.

Dr Hall retired from Ambrose Avenue on his 80th birthday in 2018 after an incredible 50 years.

However, he continued to work for the area’s out-of-hours service after his retirement until ill health forced him to stop working as a doctor.

Gazette: Loyal - Dr Chris Hall was a GP for 50 yearsLoyal - Dr Chris Hall was a GP for 50 years (Image: Public)

He was also one of the first in the city to have Covid vaccine in 2020.

A Castle ward councillor for 23 years, Dr Hall took up the mantle as mayor from 2003 to 2004.

As mayor, he oversaw the installation of a new lift at the Town Hall to enable disabled people to access all areas after raising concerns over accessibility.

He represented the SDP and then the Liberal Democrats and was appointed an Honorary Alderman in 2011.

Among many other roles, he was on the boards of the Mercury Theatre and Firstsite and was deputy chairman of school governors at St Thomas More Roman Catholic Primary School.

He was also a public governor of Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust and a committee member of the Friends of Colchester Museums.

Gazette: Smile - Dr Hall was a GP for 50 yearsSmile - Dr Hall was a GP for 50 years (Image: Public)

Dr Hall was also a “devoted” father to four sons and a grandfather to nine grandchildren.

He was an enthusiastic cyclist and was vice-president of Colchester Rovers Cycling Club, where he was a member for more than 40 years.

He was also a member of Lexden Choral Society for 19 years and a member of CAMRA, regularly enjoying the annual beer festival at Chappel Railway Station. 

Chris’ wife Dr Elizabeth Hall said: “Chris felt honoured to be able to work as a doctor in Colchester for 50 years.

“He was incredibly grateful for all the friends, colleagues, patients and constituents who made his life so interesting.

“He loved Colchester and particularly enjoyed cycling through the lanes of Essex as a member of Colchester Rovers.

“We will miss him greatly.”