Henry Myers Alty died on 27 February 2019 aged 89, after a short illness, and his well-attended funeral took place in his local church on 22 March 2019.

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'Harry' or to be precise 'HMA', as he was known to his many colleagues, was modest and above all unflappable, which are the traits that spring to mind when remembering this caring gentleman. However, such a description belies a man of immense ability, secure within himself and always in control. He resolved many a conflict with tact and diplomacy, keeping all sides satisfied.

Harry Alty was born in Newburgh, Lancashire on the 8 October 1929, the eldest of three brothers. He was educated at Hutton Grammar School and then followed his father into the dental profession and obtained the BDS from the University of Liverpool in 1952. Following graduation, he commenced his oral surgery training at St Bartholomew's and the Eastman Dental Hospital. He obtained the FDSRCS (Eng) in 1954 and the MBChB (University of Liverpool) in 1958. In 1963, he was appointed Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Regional Maxillofacial Unit, Broadgreen Hospital; Liverpool Dental Hospital; Chester Royal Infirmary; and Nobles Hospital, Isle of Man. Posts which he held until 1994.

It is a mark of the esteem in which HMA was held by professional colleagues that he was elected to significant national and local appointments. President BAOMS, Chairman Central Committee for Hospital Dental Services, Chairman Dental Subcommittee of the Central Manpower Committee DHSS, Joint Consultants' Committee BMA, Consultant Adviser on medico-legal aspects of dental and maxillofacial surgery, President Oral Surgery Club of Great Britain, President of Liverpool and District Odontological Society.

His cool head, easy manner and surgical prowess endeared him to students and trainees alike. Many owe HMA a huge debt of gratitude for his wise counsel and training opportunities.

After retirement, Harry played an active public role in institutions and causes which were important to him. He was Chairman of the Governors of Bishop Martin School, Liverpool; Chairman of Council, Liverpool College; and Chairman of the Mersey branch of the Red Cross.

His faith underpinned all that he was, in a quiet undemonstrative way. He played an active role in the church right up to the end, as a member of his Bible study group as well as a faithful worshipper.

His beloved wife, Heather, whom he married in 1952, predeceased him. His son and daughter, John and Fiona, and his grandchildren, Henry, David, Richard and Helena, survive him. Harry was kind, generous and patient. Above all, he had a sense of duty and responsibility and he will always be remembered as a true gentleman.

By John Cawood and Adrian Flower