Ken Canney died on 23 August 2013, after a courageous fight against inoperable cancer. He was 83.

After premedical studies at Queen Mary College University of London he joined The Royal London Hospital Dental School. Whilst there he excelled at tennis and football and captained The London Hospital Soccer team when they won the interhospitals cup. More importantly he picked out his future wife, Maureen, at the School of Nursing and never let her go. On qualification Ken joined a dental practice near Southend, Essex. There he was able to exercise his love of boats and sailing as well as learning to fly gliders. Soon he was able to set up his own surgery and with Maureen`s help and a great deal of hard work he developed a very successful single-handed practice.

Ken was a strong believer in the principles of the National Health Service and with his caring nature, attention to detail and great integrity he was unsparing of himself in the service of his patients for 35 years.

When they decided to retire, Ken and Maureen moved to Elworthy in Somerset.

Initially, they knew nobody but with his strong belief in Christian ethics and commitment to community service Ken was soon deeply involved in village life; church warden, village hall committee, Deanery Synod, vice president of the cricket club and much involvement in village fund raising activities.

Ken was so proud of Maureen and his three charming and successful daughters and his retirement years were clearly very happy until sudden illness struck.

Ken was courageous, good humoured, and interested in everything and everybody right up to the end. He was a fine and gentle man who will be much missed by everyone who was privileged to know him.