St Nicholas Church, Codsall, was packed on 8 August this year as family, friends and colleagues joined in a Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate the life of John Gilmour. All those present had been shocked and saddened by his unexpected death at the age of 54.

Born in Oldham, John graduated from Birmingham University School of Dentistry in 1980, after which he was offered, and accepted, the Wolverhampton House Job. It was here that the seeds of his later professional success were sown, his quiet self-effacing manner, diligence, sense of humour and attention to detail endearing himself to patients and colleagues alike. John later worked in general practice in Chasetown where he soon became a loyal and caring team player. It was here that a lifelong interest in vocational training (VT) was fostered. He was appointed as a trainer on seven occasions, and was a major force in modifying the original VT portfolio book.

He was appointed Vocational Training Advisor for the Stafford scheme in 2003 and in 2009 was delighted to accept the post of Associate Postgraduate Dental Dean for NHS West Midlands, responsible for all first year VT. In his short time in that role he set up two new training schemes and implemented a streamlined and innovative system of region-wide recruitment.

Away from his professional duties John pursued a hectic and eclectic lifestyle. His family were central to this and he devoted himself tirelessly to nurturing the diverse and considerable talents of his three children, Claudia, Nick and Amelia.

A lifelong football fan, John was a member of the England Supporters Club; in his younger days he played and was known as a combative midfielder in the Wolverhampton amateur leagues. A knee injury curtailed his footballing career but could not prevent him completing the London marathon. He ran half-marathons for fun and completed the Great North Run on three occasions.

John was a role model in all the various facets of his life and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife Serena and their three children.