Tributes have been paid – both at home and overseas – to an “unforgettable” Lurgan doctor who dedicated part of his life to caring for the Tarauacan people in Brazil… where he was famed for his home visits on a “small 16″ bicycle that he brought from Ireland”.
Dr Thomas ‘Tom’ Geddis OBE died peacefully – aged 89 – at his Lurgan home on November 9.
His death has prompted an outpouring of grief both locally and in Tarauacá – where he arrived in 1967 until 1985 – on a medical and humanitarian mission to care for people living in the absence of laboratories, equipment and ambulances.
A Tarauacan news website boasts several articles about Dr Tom’s life and legacy. One such story details his whimsical connection to an almost 50 year old Raleigh Nottingham bike.
It explains: “Old Tarauacaenses tell several stories about ‘Dr. Thomé’, as the Irish doctor, Thomas Henry Geddis, was called, who crossed the ocean and more than 4,400 kms to serve for 18 years as the only doctor and a number of nurses that could be counted on one hand, in the greatest of abnegations [sic], and why not say pure altruism, the population of Tarauacá, a municipality equidistant 400 km from the capital Rio Branco in Acre.
“Doctor Thomé used in his home visits, a small 16″ bicycle that he brought from Ireland, the same bicycle he used to go to work routinely. Today this bicycle is owned by Bolinha, as the businessman of the cycling industry is known here in Tarauacá.”
Jocularly, it adds: “Imagine how it must have piqued the curiosity of the people of Tarauacá at the time, as it had three gears and a headlight with a source from a dynamo on the front wheel!”
An obituary for Dr Geddis on the same site alludes to the bike having become a physical symbol of the doctor’s character and his reverence within the community.
“His bicycle, always parked at the entrance of his home, became a symbol of trust,” it adds. “No one dared to touch it — it represented the respect and affection the entire town felt for that doctor with a generous soul.”
A tribute to Dr Geddis – who was also a man of deep faith – by a friend in Tarauacá said: “Even in the face of so many difficulties, he never stopped helping those in need. He rode the streets of Tarauacá on his inseparable bike, facing mud and long distances to visit patients, comfort families and save lives.
“For a long time, he was the only doctor in the city, working day and night at the Sansão Gomes Hospital, alongside a small group of nurses who, with dedication and courage, faced every emergency. His routine was marked by restless nights, acts of kindness, and compassion that became his mark.
“More than a doctor, Dr. Tome was a friend of the people, a missionary of life and an example of humanity. Even after returning to Northern Ireland, where he lived his final years, he never forgot Tarauaca, nor the affection he received from his people.
“Your name and your story live on in the memory and hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing you. Dr. Tome’s legacy is a symbol of love, dedication and commitment to others – a true hero who saved lives and left a trail of light wherever he went.
“Rest in peace, Dr. Tome, eternal doctor of the people of Tarauacá.”
An obituary on Tarauaca Notícias, included a quote from Dr Geddis while he reflected on those early days in the town… and the difficulties he faced.
“Back then, everything was very difficult. It was just me and four nurses to handle everything,” he recalled. “The nurses helped me a lot — they were hardworking and caring. There wasn’t yet the violence caused by drugs, but alcohol already brought much suffering. On weekends, there was almost always someone shot or stabbed — and we had to take care of everything ourselves.”
But he always held a “great love” for the people of Tarauacá and was said to be endlessly grateful to former Mayor, Jasone for honouring his late wife, Ethel Muriel by naming the city’s maternity hospital after her.
The obituary concludes: “A simple man who turned medicine into an act of love and who will forever be remembered as the doctor who cared for both the body and the soul of his people.”
At home, Dr Geddis has been remembered as a “gentleman” who will be fondly remembered by all.
A death notice has described him as the dearly loved husband of Lucimar and the late Ethel Muriel and much loved brother of David and the late Margaret.
A Funeral Service will be held in Lurgan Baptist Church on Thursday November 13, 2025 at 11.30am followed by interment in Lurgan Cemetery.
Donations if desired may be made for Open Doors UK and Ireland (to help persecuted believers worldwide) c/o Malcomsons Funeral Service, 7 Robert Street, Lurgan, BT66 8BE.
