Bob Halford was born in Birmingham in 1933. On leaving George Dixon Grammar School, he was commissioned into the Royal Army Service Corps for his National Service from 1952 to 1954, when he ran a Staff Car company in York. He left the Army to study dentistry, qualifying BDS from Birmingham in 1958. After a house surgeon's appointment, he worked part-time in dental practice and in a part-time post as a lecturer at the Dental School. It was there that he met Sandra, a dental student, who became his wife in 1964.

Throughout his student days, Bob had continued to serve in the Territorial Army, was President of the Dental Students Society and was also a keen squash player. In 1966 he was awarded the Territorial Decoration. It was at this time that he decided to combine his career in dentistry with his army service, so he joined the Royal Army Dental Corps. His first posting was to the British Military Hospital in Rinteln, Germany, where he enjoyed the challenge of work in the oral surgery department as well as his duties in general dentistry.

He was much admired in the Corps as a kind and generous officer...

Bob's subsequent postings took him to Cyprus, Hong Kong, Northern Ireland and Belgium as well as Colchester, Shropshire and Mill Hill in North London. He was much admired in the Corps as a kind and generous officer, who always made time to look after his staff and patients alike. After a most fulfilling career, Bob retired from the Army in 1993 and returned to part-time NHS dental practice in Isleworth, which gave him great pleasure. He finally retired in 2002 and as he enjoyed his working life, so he enjoyed retirement. He had four happy years, three of which were spent overlooking the water meadows and cathedral at Salisbury.

He was much admired in the Corps as a kind and generous officer...

Sadly, Bob was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer last year. He died on 27 November 2006 after a brave fight. Tributes have poured in about his courage, kindness, generosity of spirit and unfailing sense of humour. His funeral was attended by numerous friends and professional colleagues. Bob will be fondly remembered by all those who knew him and our deepest sympathy goes to Sandra, their daughters Kay and Karen and granddaughter Sophie.