1940−2021

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Norman Mackenzie was born in 1940 in Carloway, and died at the Western Isles Hospital Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis in his eighty-first year, with his beloved wife Irene, by his side. He was educated at Carloway Primary School, and Nicolson Institute, before graduating BDS from Glasgow University in 1964.

Norman worked in general practice in Glasgow all his professional life, building up a successful practice in Duke Street where he was highly respected and liked by his patients.

After qualification Norman joined the British Dental Association (BDA) and served for several years as West of Scotland Branch Secretary and then as Branch President. He became actively involved in Greater Glasgow Local Dental Committee (LDC) and was elected to serve on the General Dental Services Committee (GDSC) of the BDA.

Norman was an enthusiastic supporter of the capitation system for children's dental care, piloted in his practice, but maintained that its success in the NHS depended on the availability of appropriate funding. Norman went on to serve as Chairman of the Scottish Dental Practice Board and was awarded an MBE for services to dentistry in 1992.

Norman also raised substantial funds for the BDA Benevolent Fund from sponsorship by completing various marathons in Glasgow, New York and London, and while training often ran the eight miles between home and practice before starting his day's work.

Norman retired to his family home in Carloway in 2003 but slippers by the fire were not for him so took on a new career as a crofter. Norman bought a redundant loom from a neighbour and set out on another career designing, weaving and marketing Harris Tweed.

The success of this venture and Norman's contribution to the promotion of the brand is endorsed by the moving tribute posted on Facebook by the Harris Tweed Authority (HTA) and by the many visitors who came to Norman's loom shed/showroom.

Norman lost his brave battle against cancer on Sunday 10 January and was interred at Dalmore Cemetery by the sound of the eternal surge of sea that he loved.

Norman was indeed a 'true lad o'pairts' and 'a good, giving, interesting man' who will be sadly missed but particularly by his family, his loving wife Irene , his children Lesley, Gordon and Kirsty, son-in-law Donald, daughter-in-law Maria Cristina, his beloved grandchildren (Sara, Alexander and Daisy) and sisters Margaret and Chrissie Anne.

Alastair I. MacLean