David Edward Rees

The family and friends of David Rees were shocked by his sudden death, from a pulmonary embolism, at the age of 64, on December 14 1998.

David entered Guy's Dental School in 1952 after being awarded a State Scholarship at a time when this was a rare academic distinction. His undergraduate career continued to reflect his outstanding ability as an academic and a clinician. He was awarded four major prizes, including the Newland Pedley Gold Medal in Restorative Dentistry.

House Surgeon posts at Guy's and Cardiff were followed by the successful completion of the London medical course. However, David's love of restorative dentistry led him to take a post as a lecturer in Conservative Dentistry at Bristol University from 1964 to 1969, where he was able to hone his unique skills.

It came as no surprise when David and his wife, Gloria, established a superb dental practice in Bristol. Many of their patients were dental and medical colleagues, who were sorry to see them leave when, in 1977, David was appointed DRO for the East Midlands, based in Nottingham. Gloria worked in community dentistry, and the family settled in a beautiful historic house with a large garden in Lowdham. David also had part-time appointments at Sheffield Dental School.

In 1990 David became a dento/legal adviser with the Medical Protection Society (Dental Protection) until his semi-retirement in 1992. After a couple of years, he established a dental practice to provide domiciliary services, based in Newark.

From 1964 David was active in dental teaching, writing papers and lecturing on a range of subjects which were of fundamental importance to many dental practitioners.

David was an active member of his local historical and horticultural societies. I remember seeing his lovingly restored 1958 MGA Roadster set in the perfect surroundings of his beautiful house and garden. He was also a keen sportsman and was preparing to play tennis shortly before his untimely death.

Those who had the privilege of knowing David will miss him greatly.

Our thoughts are with Gloria, Hugh, Jonathan and Jo, Hugh's wife Kathryn and grandaughters Jaimie and Caitlin.

G C

William Stanley Gibson

William Stanley Gibson, known as Stan or 'Gibbo' to his many friends and relations, died on February 5 1999.

Stan was born on July 10 1920, in Waterloo, in Lancashire, and attended Merchant Taylors School, Crosby. Stan then went on to study at Liverpool University, where he qualified as LDS in the Summer of 1944.

After working as a houseman, he was conscripted, serving with the Royal Army Dental Corps. He spent time in East Africa where many of his patients were Italian POWs awaiting repatriation. During this time he developed an undying love of Italian opera, food and an already fine tennis game.

After the war Stan returned to Liverpool Dental Hospital to work in the Prosthetics department for three years. After this he ran a busy and successful practice in his home town, Waterloo. He was Secretary of the Merseyside BDA after, as he subsequently claimed, 'being elected while he just rested his eyes'.

Stan was a keen yachtsman, being Commodore of Southport Sailing Club, and, after retirement, Laxey (IOM) Sailing Club. He competed several times in the GP14 National Championships. Latterly he became fascinated with fly fishing, spending hours tying flies, often with great ingenuity. A wonderfully convivial and articulate man, he was considered by many to be a fine after dinner speaker.

Stan moved to the Isle of Man in April 1973, where he worked in the school dental service for three years before taking his earlier intended retirement.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and we extend our sympathy to his wife Barbara, his children John, Micheil and Heather, his seven grandchildren and the rest of his family.

HBC