1931−2021

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Makhan died on 9 March 2021, following a chest infection and a short fight with COVID-19. He was born in the lovely valley of Kashmir, the first child of Dr Manhoar Nath Bhan, an eminent pathologist. He was the eldest of five children, and as a teenager ruled the roost when it came to competitive outdoor sports. Makhan had a passion for science and was incredibly dexterous, so he decided that his future lay in dental surgery. He was ambitious and set his sights on one of the top universities in India, Grant Medical College, even though it meant having to do additional exams to meet their stringent admission requirements. He studied hard and made the most of the extensive beaches and city life in Bombay. After qualifying in 1957, he began his professional life in the main teaching hospital in Srinagar.

In 1962, he moved to London, leaving his wife, Krishna, and young daughter to follow on after him. After passing his statutory exams, Makhan started working in children's dental health, in Bedworth in the West Midlands. He combined a preventive and restorative approach to improving the oral health of children, whilst working in general dental practice. He settled down to family life with his wife and two children.

In 1975, Makhan built a state of the art general practice in Nuneaton, where he spent much of his working career. Always passionate about his profession, he completed his career in Nottingham, particularly focusing on the oral health of older people.

Makhan is survived by his wife, son, daughter and three grandchildren, of whom he was immensely proud. At home, he indulged his passion for history and acquired a wealth of knowledge about world history. He also loved reading and watching science fiction, a trait he passed on to his children. He was loved and valued for his razor sharp mind, and kind, loving nature, and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Krishna, their children Angela and Neil, and grandchildren Jo, Arun and Eashan.

Angela Bhan