Born in Gateshead in 1929 Tom studied dentistry at Liverpool University, graduating in 1956 at The Royal Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

In 1958, wanting something more adventurous in life, Tom successfully applied for a posting to the Aden Protectorate, where he spent the subsequent 18 months providing dental treatment to the local community in sometimes challenging circumstances. On one occasion, whilst assisting a surgeon with an amputation, Tom found himself having to complete the operation when the surgeon became too weak owing to an attack of malaria. He was also fortunate to survive a plane crash whilst flying close to the border area. Missing Jill, his future wife, Tom wrote her a letter asking her to marry him, resulting in Jill jumping on the first plane to Aden!

Following Aden, Tom bought a practice in Callington, Cornwall, where he spent the following 30 years offering NHS dental treatment to appreciative patients in the area.

During this time Tom was an active member of the Local Dental Committee, the GDSC, the Plymouth section of the BDA and Western Counties Branch, and served as Branch Steward of the BDA Benevolent Fund for many years.

No exchange with dental colleagues in the city of Brest was complete without the memorable contribution Tom brought to these occasions.

In 1991 Tom was awarded Life Membership of the BDA. He was also a founder member of Callington Rotary Club.

After his retirement in 1990, Tom continued to pursue an active life in country sports and his hobby of woodturning. Tom sadly passed away on 17 March 2014.

Tom is greatly missed by his wife, Jill, daughters Victoria and Bridget and many friends and colleagues.