Matthew Brownlie

Matthew Davidson Brownlie, who was died aged 83, was a highly respected dental surgeon, golf club council member and enthusiastic Rotarian.

Widely known as David, he was born in Wishaw but shortly thereafter the family moved to Greenock, where his father became headmaster of Greenock High School. The young Brownlie was educated at Greenock Academy where he became head prefect and captain of the school's cricket and rugby teams.

He studied dentistry at the University of Glasgow and qualified as a dental surgeon in 1951. Immediately on leaving university he joined the dental practice of A Gordon Campbell in Dumbarton, and remained in the practice for his working life.

He was an extremely social and sociable character. He became a member of Cardross Golf Club, where he served on the club council for many years, organising many of the club dances and other social events. He enjoyed a justified reputation as a popular after-dinner speaker. He later became a life member of the club.

He was also a member of Dumbarton Curling Club and Dumbarton Burns Club where he was made president. In 1966 he was invited to join the ancient Dumbarton Salmon Club, whose members conferred on him honorary membership in May this year.

The organisation Rotary International has played a significant role in much of his life. In 1962 he joined the Rotary Club of Dumbarton. During his membership he was an extremely active member of the club, participating enthusiastically in charitable projects.

In the early days of Dumbarton Rotary Club, together with his dental practice partners and co-members, Alistair and Leslie Campbell, he made a collection of cine films of Rotary Club activities, particularly in relation to the club's work for ex-service personnel at Erskine Hospital. He also built up a collection of films of the town of Dumbarton and its industry. All these productions were widely viewed and warmly acclaimed in the town, particularly during the celebrations and civic events of 1972 which marked the 750th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Charter to the Burgh of Dumbarton. He became president of Dumbarton Rotary Club in 1973.

In 1968 he married Diana Parsons, who is now an internationally respected judge in horse carriage driving. The couple, who lived in Dumbarton, Cardross and most latterly in Helensburgh, had two sons, Martin and Glen, and are grandparents to Jamie and Zander.

In 2001 he was recognised by Dumbarton Rotary Club for his commitment to the ideals of Rotary International and was made a Paul Harris Fellow, an award of which he was immensely proud. He was editor of the club's bulletin, keeping members well informed and entertained..

He had become increasingly frail in recent years and frequently expressed his frustration at this. However, he retained his sharp mental faculties and age added wisdom to his sharp wit and love of banter.

His well-attended funeral service, conducted by the Rev Ian Miller, of Bonhill Parish Church, took place at Cardross Crematorium, Dunbartonshire. The minister paid tribute to his professional skills as a dentist and to his many attributes as a sportsman and a generous Rotarian who brought credit to his many clubs and his community, and who was much loved and who will be greatly missed by his family and friends.