Norman Duthie died on 29 October 2004 in Santa Ponsa, Majorca, aged 77, following a sudden and fatal aortic aneurysm.

He had a caring nature and a tireless dedication to the profession he loved.

A fine black and white photograph of Norman Duthie is displayed in the postgraduate centre in Aberdeen. It is a modest tribute for his distinguished contribution to the development of postgraduate and vocational training in Aberdeen. In the 1970s dental consultants Peter Clarke and Neil Kerr laid the early foundations for a Section 63 postgraduate programme in Aberdeen. Norman, as the first GDP appointed to the post of regional postgraduate adviser, built steadily on these foundations to establish a tradition of high quality courses within a dedicated clinical skills classroom. All this he achieved many years before a national centrally funded body would direct and plan dental postgraduate education in Scotland. In the present seminar rooms new graduates are introduced to the concepts of lifelong learning, critical thinking, good interpersonal skills and the value of presentation and teaching skills as key attributes for the GDP of the future. A man ahead of his time, Norman had these attributes in spades, combined with a caring and generous nature and a tireless dedication to serve the profession he loved.

Norman belonged to Aberdeen and after graduation, this is where he centred his professional life, establishing the King Street practice in 1954 and becoming principal to a succession of young associates. So many of these associates have made contact with Audrey, who worked alongside Norman as the practice manager, recalling with affection the support and encouragement they received. In 1968 Norman's expertise in prosthetics prompted him to apply for a part-time teaching post at Dundee Dental School. Though part-time he led an eminent academic career, and his thesis on the aetiology of angular cheilitis gained him his MDS in 1975. In 1978 with Bob Yemm he published the 'Dundee' denture copying technique and in 1981 was honoured with the appointment to honorary senior lecturer.

In 1984 David McGowan set out to pilot a radical, innovative two-year scheme in the West of Scotland to place new graduates in selected training practices for a mentored associateship of one year. Norman was delighted to join in this highly successful venture. He related to all his 'trainees' with rare insight, respecting their professional anxieties and welcoming them as colleagues. Established on a shoestring and driven by vision and determination, this fledgling Scottish vocational training scheme evolved and developed into the national scheme; the rest is history.

After his retirement in 1992 Norman spent many happy years devoted to his family, his church and his life with friends in Aberdeen and Majorca. We send our sympathy to Audrey and his sons Gary and Roderick on the sad loss of Norman, who distinguished our profession with his achievement and generosity of spirit.