James Herriot, the star of Channel 5’s adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small, returned to Netflix last year, with Nicholas Ralph portraying the enthusiastic vet working under Siegfried Farnon (played by Samuel West) at Skeldale House. Many characters in the series and books penned by Alf are based on real individuals, with the rural vet adopting the pseudonym James to share personal stories from his career.
He earned his degree from Glasgow Veterinary College in 1939 before relocating to Yorkshire. James also served as a country vet for nearly half a century, chronicling his experiences in a collection of eight books, the first being If Only They Could Talk.
The highly successful franchise spawned several TV adaptations, including a BBC series in the late 70s and the 2020 reboot on Channel 5.
James Alfred Wight, affectionately known as Alf, retired from full-time practice in 1980 but continued to work part-time for another nine years before officially retiring.
His share of the practice was bequeathed to his son Jim, who also followed in his father’s footsteps as a vet, reports the Express.
Here’s everything you need to know about the passing of this Yorkshire icon.
How did the real James Herriot pass away?
Alf was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1991, shortly after his retirement, and received treatment at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton.
Sadly, after a three-year fight, he passed away at his home in Thirlby at the age of 78, leaving behind an estate valued at more than £5 million.
He was cremated and his ashes were scattered on Sutton Bank. Tragically, his wife Joan’s health declined after his death and she passed away in 1999.
His granddaughter, Emma Page, said at the time of his passing: “He had been ill for three years, but he had borne his illness very patiently and bravely.
“His family were all with him when he died peacefully at home today.”
Alf’s son Jim spoke about his father and his successful career, saying: “People often ask me when my father actually retired from veterinary work.
“That always has me scratching my head. He never really did. He kept coming in, even though he wasn’t taking a penny in pay. He just did it because he loved it. It was a way of life, not just a job,” as reported by the Daily Mail.