To relate the life of Chris Saunders using just dentistry as his focus would only scratch the surface. It was a huge part, a part he embraced with drive, ambition, rare skills and human warmth few could emulate. A lifelong supporter of NHS dentistry, he refused to allow the ever-tightening financial constraints to erode the quality and time he believed his patients should receive, an approach that unfortunately caused an early retirement due to poor health.

His retirement is still bemoaned by many of his patients eight years since his retirement from practice.

Qualifying in 1964 from Bristol, Chris immediately moved to Cardiff and joined Eric Joseph in practice as an assistant, quickly becoming an associate and eventually running his own practice on the same premises. Loved by every staff member he employed over the years, his manner encouraged a similar loyalty in his patients, and his retirement is still bemoaned by many of them eight years since his retirement from practice.

A busy practice failed to exhaust Chris's boundless energy. He pursued many diverse interests, his manual skills extending into jewellery and all manner of DIY pursuits, and he also explored the arts, music and literature in some considerable depth. Indeed, in his younger years, he gained experience in professional acting and radio. Chris loved being in the saddle, be it on horse or motorcycle, and latterly enjoyed spending time in France with his wife Kate.

A raconteur with Pythonesque wit, Chris will be missed by all he touched, and all express their sympathy to Kate and their daughters Jane and Clare.