Jeffrey Charles Farrow

Jeffrey Farrow died in hospital on March 27 2000, aged 74, after a short last illness. He had suffered from asthma for many years, and his health had been deteriorating for some time.

Jeffrey was the son of William Farrow, a prominent York dentist. He was born and brought up in York, where he attended Archbishop Holgates School. He studied dentistry at Guy's Hospital, graduating in 1948. After House Surgeon jobs at Guy's, he did National Service in the RADC, and served in Egypt and Jordan.

After National Service, Jeffrey returned to York and joined his father in Practice, where he was to remain for the rest of his career. In 1953, he married Joan Davidson, the daughter of a well-known local farmer. They have enjoyed a long and happy marriage.

The practice, when Jeffrey joined it, was already one of the leading York practices. He soon established himself, and acquired the reputation of being a considerate and caring practitioner. His patients were fiercely loyal to him, and many of his earlier patients, together with their children and grandchildren, were still his patients when he finally retired 10 years ago. For his younger colleagues within the practice, working with Jeffrey was a very rewarding experience. Although high standards were expected, both clinically and in professional conduct, the practice was conducted very informally. He was always ready to help and advise with a problem, and was never too busy to offer a second opinion on a difficult clinical case.

Beyond the practice, Jeffrey made an immense contribution to the corporate life of the profession. He was twice President of the York Dental Society, and was a founder member of the York Section of the BDA. He served on the BDA Yorkshire Branch Council, and was a member of the Representative Board. A committed NHS practitioner, he was a member of the York, and later North Yorkshire, Local Dental Committee for many years. He served as Chairman for nine years. He represented the LDC on the York Executive Council, and subsequently, as the NHS was successively reformed, on the North Yorkshire FPC and FHSA.

The news of his death will sadden his many friends, colleagues and former patients, who will miss his friendship, his generous nature, and his unique sense of humour.

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David Alexander Brown

David Brown, formerly a consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon at the West Middlesex University Hospital, Isleworth, died at home in February 2000.David was born in Glasgow and educated at Hutchesons School, where he excelled in rugby and high jump. He studied dentistry at Glasgow Dental Hospital, gaining 14 distinctions, including the dean's prize in operative dental surgery.

After graduation, David worked in private practice before serving in the Royal Navy Voluntary Reserve as Surgeon Lieutenant (D) in HMS Caroline in Belfast. Following demobilisation he worked at Glasgow Dental Hospital, before joining the NHS in 1948 as an assistant officer. The following year David was appointed as Chief Dental Officer to the Clackmannan County Council. David became interested in Hospital Oral Surgery practice. He obtained his fellowship in Dental Surgery and subsequently the Higher Dental Diploma in Dental Surgery.

In March 1953 he was appointed as senior hospital dental officer at the West Middlesex Hospital. In 1965 he was upgraded to consultant grade. No job was too small for David as his main philosophy was to be of service to services. He initiated the dental services at the St. Bernard's Psychiatric Hospital and the New Ealing Hospital. David was an honorary consultant in British Airways for several years. He retired from his hospital practice in 1987 but continued a small practice at home until shortly before he died.

The job at the West Middlesex University Hospital in the grade of SHO was very popular for foreign trainees and David always tried to accommodate trainees who had come to the UK for a specified period of training. In the early years, until reorganisation of hospital services affected the West of London's hospitals, it was a popular job for acquiring experience in traumatology. David had a genuine passion for trainees from developing countries and was ever willing to help at any time, not only professionally but even in personal life matters.

David was a quiet, highly spiritual man and this reflected well in his daily activities. He was a great team player and was very well liked. I had the great pleasure and priviIege of working with David and he was a true friend, mentor and great motivator in my life.

David is survived by Margaret whom he married in 1946. They have two sons, three daughters and 14 grandchildren. He was a sports and game enthusiast and an ardent golfer, and he and Margaret had a love of travelling. David was a living testimony as a life long Christian.

He will surely be missed by many of us.

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