Heartfelt tributes have been paid after a doctor who "brought thousands of Croxley Greeners into the world" passed away.

Dr Michael Hodgson, a GP who worked at Baldwins Lane Practice, lived in the village until his death on Saturday, October 21, aged 93.

He suffered a stroke and pneumonia after a fall, his family have confirmed.

Watford Observer: The doctor worked in Croxley Green for thirty years.The doctor worked in Croxley Green for thirty years. (Image: David Hodgson)

Speaking on behalf of the family, David Hodgson, one of Michael’s three sons, told the Watford Observer how he was “such a self-effacing man but he made lives better for countless people in the village”.

He added: “Long-time residents who saw him around often came up to say thank you for looking after them when they were younger. He must have helped bring thousands of Croxley Greeners into this world.

“There is a 2,000-year-old quote from Hippocrates that I think sums up my father's life: 'Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity'."

Dr Hodgson was originally from Purley in south London but moved to Croxley Green when he got his role as a GP in 1960, which he continued in until retiring in 1990.

He turned down a role at Watford FC in the 1970s to continue his work as a family GP. 

The GP continued to live in Croxley Green, which he "loved", with his wife Nancy after leaving his role at the surgery. The pair were often seen walking to Rickmansworth to shop.

Watford Observer: The doctor helped deliver many babies in Croxley Green.The doctor helped deliver many babies in Croxley Green. (Image: David Hodgson)

According to family friend Nicholas Russell, he was “heavily involved” with the community outside of work, as he was a founding chair of community group Friends of the Green, of which his wife was also a governor.

He added he was well known in the community, with many residents remembering him as “their conscientious and thorough local GP”.

Phil Hobbs, whose family were all patients until Dr Hodgson retired, described him as "a kind and gentle man, who always treated you sincerely and listened to any problems you had, difficult or not".

Watford Observer: David worked as a doctor for 30 years.David worked as a doctor for 30 years. (Image: David Hodgson)

David said his father delivered many babies during his time as a family doctor and was proud to have brought “many generations of Croxley Greeners into this world”.

He was known to love “adventure” and travelled the world with Nancy when they both retired. He loved to “discover new and exciting places and learn about people”.

The retired doctor enjoyed the outdoors and regularly went bird watching with his sons, David, Paul and Tony.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy, their three sons and three grandchildren, and his loving extended family.