A Hawaiian shirt-wearing local legend who dispensed medical advice to strangers in the street, has died aged 88.
Lifelong Islander Brian Terry was well-known on Sheppey for his kindness, bright clothing and ready wit.
Although decades of ill-health had seen him reliant on family and a Union Flag-adorned mobility scooter he was an ever-present friendly face in and around Sheerness.
Known as “Doc”, he gave people health tips and diagnoses for free - having studied medicine as a young man.
Son David said: “He was a larger-than-life character. We’d go along and people would stop us and have a chat but he was hilarious and he had a great sense of humour.
“He would always be up the Leas in Minster and he was in the little cafe and would always talk to people.
“What people will remember most is his kindness. I remember one time I went round to help him with his finances and when I looked he was a sponsor to about 18 different charities.
“He was always wanting to help.” The great-grandfather studied to become a doctor for three years at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington and often used his knowledge.
David continued: “He always studied medicine, so much so that he wanted to be a doctor but he never pursued it in the end.
“But while he was in the street people would go up to him and ask him about their symptoms and he would diagnose them.
“They would then go to the GP and when they saw him again, most would say he was right.”
Brian worked as an armourer in the RAF while doing National Service in the 1950s.
He was mostly based in Church Fenton, North Yorkshire, but also served in mainland Europe , including time in Monchengladbach, western Germany.
After completing his two years and medical trahe worked mainly for the councils on Sheppey after a brief stint at Vickers munitions factory in Dartford.
He worked until his health started going downhill at 44 when he suffered a heart attack.
David added: “It was touch and go for a while but he got through that and then he went through two more later on.
“He had pacemaker inserted and he was given the scooter to help reduce the stress on his heart.
“It was a life changer as it meant he could get back out and enjoy himself again.”
As well as medicine, Brian, who lived in Medway Road, Sheerness, dabbled in a number of other hobbies.
He was self-taught on the piano and was an avid photographer and painter. He was also said to be a wizard with electronics – a skill which helped when he and his brother Michael owned a disco.
He was also deeply religious and would regularly attend services at Holy Trinity Church in Sheerness.
Three weeks ago his health took a turn for the worse when he developed diverticulitis – a condition that causes irritation and pain in the bowel.
Paramedics were called out but thought it was food poisoning but his condition worsened and Brian got sepsis and was taken to hospital.
David said: “Because of his heart condition doctors could only treat the infection with medication and not operate.
“He said he was going to fight it but we knew he wasn’t going to make it.”
While Brian was in the hospital David celebrated his 63rd birthday.
He continued: “I was sitting by his side at 3am and I was in the recliner and he said ‘I’m sorry I haven’t got you a birthday present but I’ll say happy birthday to you’.
“It was honestly the best present he could have given me, being the first to say happy birthday.”
Brain died on May 26 surrounded by his family.
David said: “He was a true inspiration; he loved life and loved people. It feels like my soul has been ripped out. I don’t know how I’m going to get on.
“I’ve lost two wives and a partner but now I’ve lost my dad. I know I looked after him but he was like my rock. He always knew how to cheer you up. He was so quick and so funny.”
The funeral will be on June 20 at Holy Trinity from noon before a burial at Halfway Cemetery and a wake at the Co-op Club in St George’s Avenue.
‘What people will remember most is his kindness’
David added: “Everybody is welcome. He loved bright colours, lights, loud shirts, so dress code is optional – either traditional black or loud bright colours.”
Flowers are to be sent to Luke Allum Funeral Directors in Broadway, Sheerness, with donations going to the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research.
