Isle of Wight dentist Dr Brian Yapp has died at the age of 76

For many years, Dr Yapp ran his surgery from his home at Edinburgh House in Mill Hill Road, Cowes.

At the height of his work, there were 6,000 patients on his books.

On retirement in 2004, his contribution as one of a declining number of dentists treating NHS patients was featured in The Times.

Dr Yapp was born in Coventry in 1944, to parents Hilda and George.

Aged 11 he attained a scholarship to his local grammar school, after which he studied dentistry at Bristol University.

Having qualified in the late 1960s, Brian headed to the south, working for a few years in the Bursledon and Fareham areas.

He then moved to Cowes to set up his own practice at Edinburgh House, which was previously a doctor’s surgery.

He married Tess in Las Vegas in 1994 and for many years she worked alongside him as practice manager.

After retirement, Mr Yapp converted the practice fully to his home where he and his wife enjoyed tending the garden and hosting social gatherings.

For many years the couple were a familiar sight in Cowes walking their beloved Dalmatians.

Mrs Yapp died in late November, 2019.

Mr Yapp enjoyed travel and, with a keen interest in current affairs, was an avid listener of Radio Four.

He is survived by daughter Charlotte, and grandsons Edward and Alex, as well as an extended family of in-laws, nieces and nephews on the Island and mainland.

A funeral service will be held at the IW Crematorium on Monday, January 27, at 2.15pm.