Barry Eley was born in London on 6 March 1940 and died on 1 April 2012, following a brave battle against Parkinson's disease. He made major contributions to the speciality of periodontology, including an internationally recognised textbook and numerous research publications. After graduation from the Royal London Hospital in 1962, he joined the Conservation Department at King's College Hospital Dental School in 1963 as assistant lecturer/registrar and was subsequently appointed senior lecturer and consultant in periodontology in 1980. He remained at King's until his retirement in 2004, having been an active academic board member since 1972 and representing the BDA for the Dental School (1993-1998). He was honorary secretary of the British Society of Periodontology (1984-1987) and later president (1993-1994).

He was awarded a PhD for experimental work on soft tissue reactions to implanted dental amalgam in 1980. That year he also established the first Department of Periodontology at KCHDS. As Head of Periodontology and Director of the Hygiene School, he developed an active and productive department. His research interests ranged from collagen turnover in the periodontal ligament to the pathology of amalgam tattoos and the role of proteolytic enzymes in the pathogenesis and monitoring of periodontal disease and peri-implantitis. The later studies led to further successful PhD projects for postgraduates, though Barry himself continued to engage in laboratory work.

He was awarded a chair in periodontology in 1997. He acted as internal and external examiner for final BDS and examined several PhDs throughout his career. Following the merger with Guy's and St.Thomas' Hospitals in 1998, Professor Eley was vice-chairman of periodontology and preventive dentistry at King's College London Dental Institute. His spirited enthusiasm for new ventures and a unique sense of humour will be missed by those who knew him well.

He sadly lost his wife, Julie to breast cancer in 1997. He maintained his passionate support of Crystal Palace football club and other interests in his later years. Particular sympathy is extended to his grandchildren and children Esther and Peter, who gave very moving tributes to their father during his funeral at the church where Barry and Julie had been married.