1925-2022

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Gordon was born on 18 December 1925. After an East London primary he attended Hackney Downs Grammar School. In World War II, Gordon was evacuated with the school to King's Lynn. He excelled in lessons, whilst the countryside allowed him to fulfil his passion for animals and plants. His interest in science remained, becoming an active member of the Bournemouth Natural Science Society after retirement.

In 1944, Gordon entered the London Hospital. Most students studied for the LDS but Gordon aimed for the BDS. With staff absent, the students designed their course on an 'arrange it yourself' basis. Gordon won many prizes and qualified in 1948. During National Service in the RADC, he treated returning casualties from fighting rebels in Malaya on board ship.

He gained the FDS, an MDS by research and studied medicine whilst working in the evenings as a dentist. In 1957, he qualified in medicine with distinctions.

After medical and surgical posts, Gordon returned to the dental department. He was the London's first full-time lecturer in oral surgery. With young children, Margaret held the fort whilst he gained knowledge and experience elsewhere in the UK and USA. Gordon later supported Margaret during her rise to Damehood. He iced cakes and equipped their kitchen.

By 1962 he was reader, six years later a professor. Gordon attracted outstanding colleagues as lecturers and consultants. In 1975 he became Dean of the Dental School, in 1986 Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Surgeons of England when he enjoyed awarding an honorary FDS to Princess Diana.

Gordon was showered with honours from the Edinburgh and English Royal Colleges of Surgeons, British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, London Hospital Medical College, University of Jordan and BDA. He was the first dentist to be awarded honorary Fellowship by the Faculty of Anaesthetists. Major accolade came in 1990 with the award of a CBE.

Gordon wrote papers about facial deformities, tumours, cysts and surgery for specialists. For general medical and dental practitioners he wrote on, for example, how to read radiographs, and safety precautions when many practitioners were unaware of x-ray dangers. He was an expert on the 'Elephant Man', Joseph Merrick.

Gordon was an outstanding member of the dental and medical professions and a loving family man. His death on 14 October 2022 left behind his heartbroken daughter Pamela, son Colin and grandchildren Jake and Zoe.

Stanley Gelbier