George Sherwood Hobson

Abstract

George Sherwood Hobson, known as Sherwood to his many friends and colleagues, passed away after a short illness in hospital on 4 November 2011. Born in Belfast in 1930, Sherwood attended Wallace High School and Methodist College, excelling both academically and on the sports field, before going to Queen’s University where he gained his BDS in 1953. Married to Muriel in 1957 theirs was a formidable, loving partnership, each encouraging the other in their endeavours and those of their family, Ross, Leigh and Barry. After qualifying Sherwood worked in general dentistry in the Downshire Hospital and in the School of Dentistry Belfast, where he developed an interest in orthodontics. Sherwood set up the first solely orthodontic practice in Northern Ireland in 1959, and continued with his teaching appointment sharing his practical approach and enthusiasm with those in the Orthodontic Department. He attended both British and European Orthodontic Society meetings to become familiar with the Begg techniques which he then used to create the ‘Hobson smile’. Various local dental committees and the BDA benefited from his insight and input, and the profession is indebted to him for his negotiating skills. In 1976 Sherwood was Northern Ireland Branch President of the BDA. In 1981 he was elected Fellow of the International College of Dentistry and after retiring from practice in 2000 he was honoured with BDA life membership. Outside dentistry, Sherwood played an active and prominent role for many years with Larne Golf Club. He was a member of Malone Golf Club and the University Golfing Society. This interest in golf helped fill a little of the tremendous gap left by Muriel’s death in 2007. Local dramatic societies involved Sherwood as a director or producer. He travelled throughout the province in the 1970s and 1980s and could recount many amusing stories of being stopped at police and army checkpoints in a car filled with disguises, props and wiring. Sherwood enjoyed life and helping wherever he could. He will be missed by his many friends and colleagues. To his family we offer our sincere condolences. D. McLeod, R. Hobson