1923–2016

Brian was brought up on Skegoneill Avenue in North Belfast. He attended the local primary school and went on to RBAI (Royal Belfast Academical Institution), where he played in the 1942 Schools' Cup Rugby Final. During the second world war, Brian's family were evacuated to Rathfriland where he had many cherished memories of living with the Fegan family.

On leaving school, Brian joined the Northern Bank and was posted to Irvinestown. In 1943 he joined the Royal Navy and served on three landing ships, HMS Princess Astrid, HMS Eastway, and HMS Boxer.

Brian told the story of how his ship picked up a German U-Boat on radar, which they successfully torpedoed only to discover they had torpedoed a whale!

Brian was demobbed in 1946 and commenced his studies for dentistry at Queens University Belfast. Unfortunately, Brian contracted tuberculosis in the Navy and spent two years in hospital, qualifying from Queens in 1953.

Brian set up a very successful practice in Rathcoole and became a very active member of the Northern Ireland branch of the BDA. Brian served as Secretary, Branch President (1983) and was Trustee of the Benevolent Fund for many years serving on the Executive Committee.

Brian was elected to the International College of Dentists for services to dentistry, was awarded Life Membership of BDA in 1990 and was elected a Fellow of the BDA in 1998. He was involved in the establishment of a general practice training unit in the School of Dentistry and worked part-time in a teaching post there.

Brain was a very keen golfer and an active member of Greenisland Golf Club where he was Captain in 1969 and was President for the club's centenary year – 1994.

Brian was a longstanding member of St. Peter's Parish Church where he served in many capacities. Brian, with his Navy background was called on every year to lay a wreath on Remembrance Sunday.

Brian is survived by his wife (of nearly 60 years), Heather, son, Philip and daughters, Jenny, Caroline and Susie.