My father, Thomas Lloyd, who has died aged 86, was proud to be president of the south Wales branch of the British Dental Association. He believed that dentistry, as far as possible, should not be a painful experience for the patient and he trained to administer intravenous anaesthetic as soon as it was possible. With his partner Bill Llewellyn he ensured that their practice was up to date with the latest developments.
Tom was born in Narberth, Pembrokeshire. While training as a dentist at Guy's hospital in London, he served in the navy and was mainly stationed in Portsmouth. Both experiences became a source of many stories he told over the years. In 1954 Tom returned to Wales to join Bertram Rees's dental practice in Carmarthen. He made his home there with Mair, whom he married in 1955, three daughters, me, Sarah and Megan, and a succession of dogs.
A staunch supporter of the NHS, Tom was active in local health politics and served for many years on the family practitioner committee – including as chairman – and various hospital committees.
A member of the Labour party from his youth, he enjoyed a good political debate, especially with his brother Ambrose. He grew roses and vegetables and in his later years derived great pleasure from the birds visiting the garden. He and Mair were both keen ramblers and he sometimes led walks in his native Narberth.
An active supporter and shareholder of the Gwili Railway, he helped on construction projects in the early days. He was quite practical and built his own canoe and dinghy, both of which were seaworthy. He and Mair were also supporters of the Swansea and Fishguard festivals. On retirement he took up wood engraving.
Dad liked nothing better than to have a good meal with all the family when he could hold court telling his tales. Rugby figured large in his life – he played as a young man and enjoyed watching club rugby and internationals. We would speak regularly on the phone after every Wales match to either rejoice in a win – especially if it was against England – or to commiserate and prepare for the next one.
Mair died in 2009. Tom is survived by me and my sisters, and two grandsons, Euan and Samuel.