David J Dainty 07.06.39 – 03.07.12
By Keith Millman MBE
David Dainty was a committed general dental practitioner practising amongst likeminded colleagues who were prepared to offer ‘out of hours’ services to patients in need.
He was born in Letchworth, Hertfordshire moving with his parents to Stanford-le-Hope where he attended Palmers Boy’s School in Grays. He pursued dental studies at the London Hospital Dental School where he qualified in 1963. Always a keen sportsman, he played football and water polo for his dental school and proudly boasted that he was an ‘Old Londoner’.
After qualifying, he practised as an assistant for a short while in Essex. Coming to Devonshire in 1964, he was welcomed into a Kingsbridge family practice where he quickly established himself with kindly demeanour. David remained in this practice, eventually becoming a partner, always pursuing postgraduate studies until his retirement as senior partner in 2005.
An active member of the BDA since qualifying, he joined the Plymouth Section and became Chairman 1976-1977. He became the second Editor of the Branch magazine Contact Point and was elected President of the Western Counties Branch in 1987. He was also on the editing board of Dental Update.
As a young man, he joined Round Table and later the 41 Club. On the foundation of the Kingsbridge Estuary Rotary Club, he was invited to join and worked in several offices. During their 25th year celebrations, he was honoured to be elected as their President and awarded the accolade of a Paul Harris Fellowship for services to the Rotary Movement. Closer to home, he was a governor of West Alvington primary school, a parish councillor and a stalwart of the Anglican Church, where he was joint treasurer.
David loved his golf and retirement gave him the opportunity to pursue this interest after a hard working life looking after his patients. He was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis two years ago.
West Alvington Parish Church was full to overflowing for David’s funeral service. Colleagues, former patients and friends were standing along both side aisles. Those unable to gain access to the interior were able to participate through a pre-installed public address system outside.
He leaves his devoted wife Hilary after a happily married life of 49 years, three daughters and seven grandchildren to whom we extend our sincere sympathies.
The family are very grateful to everyone who attended David’s funeral and gave so generously enabling his family to donate £2000 to Breathing Matters, and also his former partner and close friend Keith Millman MBE for allowing us to use his very fitting tribute to a much loved husband, father, granddad and friend.
2 thoughts on "A Tribute to David Dainty"
Comments are closed.
To my Uncle David a lovely and truly funny person whom supported his nieces when my dad, his brother died. He came out to France with Clare and lifted us as a family. A truly special person and family man. missed by all xxxx
I am very sad to discover that David Dainty passed away last July.I looked him up as we have just enjoyed another holiday in the lovely area of Kingsbridge and it reminded me of our last visit when he was so kind to me. During our last holiday I developed excruciating toothache and after going to the hospital ,was directed to Mr.Dainty’s surgery . Although it was after six o’clock and he was about to go home ,he stayed late to clean out the abscess under my tooth and relieved me of my pain. He did a brilliant job and was a very kind man . Everyone must miss him very much.