Louis Kenneth Caygill

Ken Caygill was born in Halifax, Yorkshire, in 1913, where he attended Heath Grammar School and Leeds University. After qualifying in 1936 at Leeds Dental School, Ken entered the British Army on a Short Service Commission, joining the Royal Army Dental Corps in 1937. The keen interest in playing rugby, which Ken had developed at school and university, was continued in his army career.

During the Second World War he served in France and Belgium, assisting with the establishment of dressing stations during the Dunkirk withdrawal in 1940. He also served with success in North Africa and Italy. He completed his distinguished tour of duty in Italy, as Head of Dental Service, Central Mediterranean Force, being part of the Allied support of the Unified Government of Italy.

Upon returning to the UK in 1947, Ken was in charge of the Army Dental Centre at Carlisle until he retired from 'the service' in November 1949. 'Major' Caygill was well respected during his army career, for his extensive and versatile knowledge of his profession, both operative and prosthetic, which was skilfully and meticulously applied. His conservative work was outstanding.

Ken, a strong family man, set up his own practice in Croydon, and with the support of his wife, Emmie, raised their three sons. Running a busy practice, single-handed, Ken still produced very fine work and ensured a speedy service to his patients by employing an in-house dental mechanic for many years. He continued in general practice for 24 years and as a measure of his 'team skills', it is worthy of note that he kept the same receptionist for the whole of this time.

Throughout his period of practice in Croydon, Ken loyally supported the Southern Counties B ranch of the British Dental Association as Meetings Secretary and in various other roles, culminating in his year as President of the Branch in 1975. He was always determined that the highest of standards be met and that new technology should be adopted wherever possible.

Ken eased himself into retirement, when he gave up his own practice, by serving in the Community Dental Service in Shirley, Surrey, for a short while. Retirement gave him the opportunity to enjoy his passion for outdoor pursuits, caravanning and walking, with Emmie.

Ken died peacefully, after a short illness, at Buxton Lodge, Caterham on Sunday 8th April 2001 and survived his beloved wife, Emmie, by only eight months. He leaves three sons, Michael, Peter and David, and seven grandchildren.

P. J. C

Philip Howard Morse

Philip Morse was born in Rugby, on 6th March 1937. His family moved to London and his education was completed at Finchley Catholic Grammar School (1948-55). He excelled both academically and on the sports field – he was an excellent off-spin bowler in the 1st Cricket XI. He entered Guys Dental School in 1955, graduating LDS in 1960.

His early clinical career was spent in junior hospital posts and general practice. He gained his diploma in orthodontics RCS (Eng) in 1964 and fellowship in dental surgery (Edin) in 1965. He was then appointed to the training programme in orthodontics at the Eastman Dental Institute where he undertook registrar and senior registrar training posts under the supervision of Professor Ballard. In 1971 Phil was appointed to the post of consultant orthodontist to the Manchester Regional Hospital Board with duties at Booth Hall Children's Hospital, Manchester and Birch Hill Hospital, Rochdale. He was very keen on the development of services for all the dental specialities and, in particular, he was instrumental in the planning and development of new departments of oral surgery and orthodontics at Booth Hall Hospital and Rochdale Infirmary. Outside his immediate clinical work Phil was very involved in hospital administration and management.

He was an active and often outspoken member of many hospital, area and regional committees commanding respect from all his colleagues. He also held office on medical and dental advisory committees and at Booth Hall he was appointed clinical sub-unit manager (1986–89) and clinical coordinator (1992–1994). Phil was closely involved with the Royal College of Surgeons in London, participating in the SAC in orthodontics and paediatric dentistry and he was north-west regional speciality adviser between 1991–1996. Among his leisure activities he listed golf, and bridge but he was also an excellent ballroom dancer and was keen on classic cars, in particular being fond of his Bentley and fixed-head coupe AC Aceca. In 1997 Phil retired but soon became ill and the following year he moved to Dorset. He was a committed family man and strong family links and his religious faith were essential supporting pillars, particularly during his final months. He died on 2nd December 2000 in Forest House Hospice, Poole. To his wife Anna, and children, Joanna, Andrew, Julia, Karen and Robert we offer our heartfelt sympathy at their premature and sad loss.

P. R.W.