Clare College fellow Dr Gordon Wright dies at the age of 101

Clare College announced the death last week of Dr Gordon Wright, a fellow for more than six decades, at the age of 101.

As well as being a fellow – both emeritus and life – of Clare College for more than 60 years, Dr Wright served for many years as director of studies for medicine and as a college tutor.

He taught and inspired generations of Clare College students, and was instrumental in the acquisition of Lady de Clare’s bell, arranging for it to be installed in Old Court, where it remains today.

Also thanks to Dr Wright, Clare College is the home of the Cambridge University Heraldic & Genealogical Society (CUH&GS).

Much admired by students past and present, Clare College graduate Trisha Greenhalgh OBE (medicine, 1977), who holds the unique distinction of having captained both the Cambridge and Oxford swimming teams, gave the speech at Dr Wright’s 90th birthday dinner at Clare on behalf of more than 1,000 of his past students.

Dr Wright is survived by his wife, Dr Elizabeth Macleod.

The college will provide more information on how his life will be celebrated in due course.

Comments left below the Facebook post on Monday (February 11) included such glowing tributes as:

‘A huge inspiration and support to generations of Clare medics. A life lived well’,

‘What a teacher he was. A brilliant man with a great heart’;

‘An inspirational man, doctor, teacher, scholar, friend, husband, father. He remembered everyone he tutored, even their spouses and children’s names, and everyone will certainly remember him. A life well lived. It is an honour to have known him. Cheers Gordon’; and

‘I’m so sorry to hear this. He was the heart and soul of Clare medicine and a splendid tutor. RIP.’