North Head bench installed in memory of former Wick GP
A bench has been installed on Wick’s North Head footpath in memory of a much-respected doctor who died last summer.
Dr Maurice R Pearson worked as a GP in the town from 1976 until his retirement in 2003. He passed away on August 22 last year, aged 82, and the Pearson family has gifted the seat to the community.
It looks out across Wick Bay, a view Dr Pearson always enjoyed.
The bench was sourced from award-winning company Plastecowood, based in Wales, and is made of recycled plastic. It was transported to Wick free of charge by local haulage firm D Steven & Son.
The arrangements were made by Dr Pearson's daughter Lorn, who is based in Glasgow. She liaised with Willie Watt and John Bogle of Wick Paths Group as well as Clair Harper and Son Funeral Directors to arrange the installation of the bench on a section of the footpath near Lindsay Drive.
“When our dad retired he said it had been a pleasure and a privilege to work as a GP in Wick,” Lorn said. “We always knew that he was proud and grateful to have been able to make a difference and make his mark.
“Special thanks and appreciation to D Steven and Son for the transportation of the bench from over 500 miles away. Thanks also to Wick Paths Group and Clair Harper and Son for their help, and to our uncle Dr Derek Pearson for contributing to the bench in memory of his little brother.”
Maurice was born in Greenside, near Newcastle. “It was a mining town,” Lorn explained. “His dad was a miner and his mum was a seamstress and later she taught her skills to others.
“He and his brother got scholarships which eventually enabled them to go to medical school. My dad told me he trained to be a GP so he could make a difference with families and children.
“Both he and my uncle were proud to have had the opportunity to train and work in medicine.
“That’s why I think he was so down to earth, approachable and good at relating to people. He treated everyone the way he would like to be treated, and believed in fairness and that everyone should get the opportunity to achieve their dreams, no matter their background.”
The inscription on the bench says: “A Geordie lad and a miner’s son, he made his mark upon this world. He loved this view, please enjoy it too. For the Wick Community. Best wishes, from the Pearson family.”
Lorn said the family were grateful for the kind words, messages and support they received after their father passed away. She added: “Even though our dad retired as a GP over 20 years ago, it was lovely to be reminded of the mark he made on the Wick community and beyond.
“A few years ago my dad asked to do something to remember him by, somewhere special. I knew that this spot in Wick would be the ideal place – so that not only I can remember him but so can the locals who knew, remembered and liked him.
“I know he’d be pleased, and that he definitely made his mark in the town and county, like he hoped he had.”
“If anyone has any stories or memories of our dad that they’d like to share with the family, please email lorn.pearson@me.com. It would be lovely to hear from them.”