DEDICATED and much respected Christchurch veterinary surgeon John Lafferty has passed away at the age of 61 following a prolonged illness.

He took immense pride in the individual care he offered to his patients and the friendships he made with his clients over more than three decades.

He has been the driving force behind Magnolia House Veterinary Clinic.

Mrs Lafferty said: "John sadly passed away on the 15th of December after a long illness, bravely borne.

“He was a loving husband, devoted father to Andrew, Mark, Rory and Becky, and a doting grandfather to Flick. He will be sadly missed by his friends, staff and clients. His wishes were that his practice should continue, as always, with the love and dedication that he showed to all of the animals under his care for the last 34 years.”

John's family wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to those at Bournemouth General Hospital who nursed and cared for him during his final weeks. A memorial service is to be held on Friday January 24 at Christchurch Priory.