George Watt Fairfull Smith, MBE, MC, LDS, died at his home in Glasgow on August 6, 1984. During World War II, he served as a frontline soldier and became a Chindit (an elite group of British soldiers). Subsequently, he was decorated with the Military Cross for bravery in action. After the war, he obtained his dental degree at the University of Glasgow and set up in private practice in that city. His love of people, sincerity and deep concern for his patients led him to study hypnosis, for which he gained international respect as both a teacher and leader. He was for many years a visiting dental surgeon at the Glasgow Dental Hospital and School where he held a weekly clinic using hypnosis. He received an MBE for his work with children at the Hansel Handicapped Village of which he was director.
He will be remembered with love, affection and respect by all who knew him as a warm, friendly and caring man, possessing a quiet sense of humor and ever willing to be helpful. For colleagues who did not know him, his ultimate epitaph is contained in the BBC documentary, Hypnosis and Healing. It conveys his unique blend of personal warmth and professional expertise, which so deeply impressed his colleagues at local and international events.
International Society of Hypnosis Newsletter, Vol. 8, No. 1, April 1984