A retirement party was held on Saturday for Dr Keatinge who decided to call time on his illustrious career.

On his birthday on January 13, 1954 Dr Keatinge started his first day as a doctor in Tenterfield.

He fondly remembers Dr Champain who he initially worked with.

“He was one of the best GP’s I’ve ever met.” 

At 91-years-old he said he felt it was time to call time on his 60-year career, 45 of those in Tenterfield.

“I grew up in Sydney and was recently married and a job at the practice had come up here.”

He and late wife Frances travelled north to look at what Tenterfield had to offer and he remembers the pair loved it right away.

“We liked the doctors and the district,” he said.

Spurning an offer in Mullumbimby Dr Keatinge made the bold move to pack up and move north.

“We both loved the country – Frances very much entered into life in Tenterfield. We liked the people and the town so decided to stay.”

Apart from a 15-year stint in Brisbane, Dr Keatinge has spent his career in Tenterfield and says he’s enjoyed each and every minute of his time as a GP in town. He says it was a hard decision to come to terms with giving up his job but suggests it was the right time.

“My memory is going a bit and I’m frightened of making mistakes.”

While only doing a half-day on a weekly basis for the past year, Dr Keatinge said it was still upsetting to give it away all together.

“I enjoyed it, the people and the contact.”

Times have inevitably changed and he says he can recall a different period of doctoring.

“I remember the days where you would do everything – it was different then, you feel like a bit of a secretary at times now.”

With no midwifery in town, he says he’s probably had to deliver over 500 babies over the years.

“Too many country towns are losing certain positions.”

But he is adamant Tenterfield is in good hands with the current crop of doctors. An integral member of the community during his 45-years here, Dr Keatinge has been involved in most aspects of Tenterfield life.

An honorary Rotarian, original Apexian, 50-year Legatee, former head scout and Oracles legend, he’s remained busy outside of the practice over the years.

He’s also travelled the world competing in Masters Games as a competitive walker bringing home a number of medals over the years.

His last race came four years ago at the Sydney Masters Games, just after his wife passed, where he brought home two gold medals.

Co-workers and friends turned out for the retirement party on Saturday which was put together by his daughter Francis Overell.

Dr Keatinge said he was very humbled and “didn’t want a big fuss” but thanked everyone who came along to celebrate a special career.