RETIRED consultant psychiatrist Dr Monty Segal was described by his patients as a real ‘gentle’ man.

Dr Segal, 80, worked for 23 years in the Huddersfield and Halifax area, mainly at the former Storthes Hall hospital.

When he took early retirement 22 years ago, Dr Segal and wife Renee were inundated with good wishes. Many patients did not want him to leave.

Dr Segal was born in Manchester and went on to study medicine at Manchester University, specialising in psychiatry and later forensic psychiatry.

He worked in several hospitals in the Manchester area before becoming a consultant psychiatrist in Halifax.

He had 600 patients at Storthes Hall and also worked at Halifax General Hospital, St Luke’s in Huddersfield and Northowram in Halifax.

Mrs Segal told how, on his retirement, his patients paid glowing tributes.

“All his patients were so upset and I still have a thick envelope containing all the cards and letters,” she said.

“There were at least 60 cards and some lovely letters. People described him as a real gentle man. He was a caring man and always cared for other people.”

As well as a caring man, Dr Segal was incredibly busy, serving on various boards and committees.

He sat on the Health Committee in Halifax and was also a member of the Parole Board for Great Britain, which met in London.

He was also involved in the St John Ambulance in Huddersfield.

After his retirement Dr and Mrs Segal worked as volunteers for Kirkwood Hospice for 14 years. They helped raise money through the Marsh, Edgerton and Gledholt Support Group.

Dr Segal was also a member of Huddersfield Recorded Music Society and Birkby Probus Club and for 15 years was president of Gledholt Male Voice Choir.

His father was a Rabbi and his religion was very important in his life. He helped run services at Bradford Synagogue.

Dr Segal developed Alzheimer’s Disease and spent the last months of his life in a care home.

He died on October 30 at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and his funeral took place the following day, in accordance with the Jewish faith.

A special memorial service and celebration of his life was held on Sunday, organised by Gledholt Male Voice Choir, at Lindley Methodist Church.

Dr Segal leaves Renee, 66, a son Jonathan, 42, daughter-in-law Helen, 41, and grandchildren Ben, eight, and Jessica, four.