1925–2017

It is with fascinating reflection that we highlight the life of Richard Pennington who passed away peacefully in his ninety-second year. One of that older generation of caring professional men – a man and outstanding clinician of his time. He unfortunately contracted TB during his training at Liverpool Dental Hospital and spent two years incarcerated in a sanatorium. His life was eventually saved by the advent of streptomyocin and a partial pneumonectomy. He qualified from the Royal College of Surgeons in London in 1951 after being denied sitting his finals in Liverpool over concerns about being a TB carrier.

With the vigour of his new lease of life he purchased a part time practice in Newton-le- Willows, which he built into a very successful multi-surgery practice. Simultaneously, he developed and provided the dental service at Red Bank Approved School. He was an accomplished dental anaesthetist and had a swift and deft surgical ability. He also had vast experience as a prosthetist. Patients and staff were all exposed to his mischievous sense of humour.

Richard was chairman of the Local Dental Committee in St Helens for many years where his speeches were legendary. He was also co-opted as a magistrate and became Chairman of the Warrington Juvenile Bench. He worked tirelessly to raise funds for the local Boys Club and was a dedicated Round Tabler. He was a lifelong member of the Liverpool Odontological Society and served a term as president.

Out of the surgery he was never happier than being outdoors with his beloved Springer Spaniel, often off to the Chat Moss shoot. He often returned to his family roots in Wales.

He was always a very strong family man and is survived by his wife, Kathleen, his children, Jonathan, Joanna, Charlotte and Becky, and his ten grandchildren.