On 8 August 2008, Geoff Wood suffered a fall in his garden. He did not recover consciousness and died two days later in hospital. He had been at a dance with Anne, his wife of 51 years, the evening previous to his fall.

Geoff was born on Armistice Day 1932 in the Rossendale Valley, Lancashire. He attended the Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School where he was appointed Head Boy for 1949/50. It was here that he met Anne, a pupil in the year below him. He qualified in dentistry at the Turner Dental School, Manchester University late in 1956. Shortly afterwards he bought Holt's Dental Practice in Waterfoot, Rossendale where he and Anne lived 'above the shop' for a couple of years.

Geoff's was a large practice in a well populated working class area of Rossendale. National Health Service was definitely the norm. It was a happy practice with a good atmosphere.

He was a most loyal member of the BDA and held his chosen profession in high regard. Chairman of the Burnley Section of BDA in the late 1960s, he was later to be elected President of the East Lancs and East Cheshire Branch.

Geoff lived the social side of life to the full. He played a full part in Round table, 41 Club and was President of Rossendale Rotary Club in 1986. He was a former Captain and President of Rossendale Golf Club, of which he was a member for over 50 years. Geoff had a very severe heart attack 17 years ago. Since then he had taken health matters seriously and renewed his love of dancing, even going on dancing weekends and holidays.

Geoff was a good friend, a very sociable person and still a very keen dentist. When the practice was sold, he continued to be available for locum services and was still working up to the present as an assistant to Irene Gott in Clitheroe.

Geoff and Anne had three children, Kay, Gillian and Peter. They were very proud of sons-in-law Duncan and Peter and their five grandchildren, Ian, Charles, David, James and Leonie. Our sympathy is extended to Geoff's family for their very sudden loss, a good husband, father and grandfather.

The church at Read was overflowing with friends and colleagues. Geoff Garnett, Past President BDA gave the address and led the prayers.