Robert Darling LDS RCS passed away on 7 October aged 83. He was born on 10 July 1927 at Dilston Terrace Amble which was the home and dental surgery of his Pa, Norman.

The Crest at Lesbury later became the family home where he lived with his two sisters Margaret and Moira. He was educated at Sedbergh School in Cumberland and wishing to follow his father's career he applied to Newcastle Dental School to be interviewed by the Dean. Robert delighted in telling the story of the shortest interview ever. Instructed to sit down, without uttering a word he was told that one disruptive Darling was enough for any dental school, and he was to go straight home and write to Edinburgh for a prospectus and application form. This he did and two days later, no application form, no prospectus, but a firm offer of a place. Collusion?

The disruptive Darling later became Dean of Bristol Dental School.

In Edinburgh he met his future wife Rae who was reading occupational therapy. Robert took part in Edinburgh life and was appointed to the first Edinburgh Festival Committee, an interest he maintained for many years.

Robert served as an RAF dental officer in the Middle East. After demobilisation he joined his father's practices in Berwick and Alnwick. Being well known in Alnwick Robert and Rae took an active role in the community becoming Presidents of Rotary and Inner Wheel. Robert is still very well remembered in Alnwick where it was his habit at the end of each working day to repair to the Plough Inn where his dog Sandy would be waiting on the doorstep to share in a beer and help with the Times crossword.

Robert was a true country gentleman being more than a passable shot and an expert salmon fisherman on his beat on the Tweed.

It was fitting that Robert and Rae retired to Warkworth where he bought an old pub 'The Red Lion' that had been made into a house.

After Rae died last year Robert bought a scooter on which to go shopping and is well remembered pipe between teeth, helmet on the handlebar and his white hair flowing behind him.

Robert was a true gentleman with a delightful sense of humour and fun. Sorely missed by all who knew him.