Denis Steen devoted 30 years of his career to the community at Weymouth, a skilful surgeon who showed kindness and concern for his patients, generating loyalty, respect and affection among his medical, nursing and ancillary colleagues. He was born on 5 November 1906, the son of James Ross, a general practitioner of Ilford, Essex. After Chigwell School he was educated at Clifton College, Bristol, and at Emmanuel College, Cambridge (1924-1927), with an exhibition scholarship. With a university open scholarship to St Thomas's Hospital in 1927 his medical education and surgical training was completed at St Thomas's, the Norfolk and Norwich and the Bristol General Hospitals, at some time working under Sir Max Page and R V Cooke. He served the Wessex HMC and was a fellow of the Association of Surgeons. He gave unstinting service to Weymouth throughout the second world war. A progressive illness, which he endured with great fortitude caused his premature retirement in 1965. He married Ruby (Robin) Ellen Wooding in August 1934 and he enjoyed a happy and supportive marriage. In earlier years he was proficient at skiing, tennis and golf. He died on 13 December 1978, survived by his wife and two daughters.