Plarr’s Lives of the Fellows

Antony Edward Green was a well-respected maxillofacial consultant surgeon, specialising in cleft palates and facial reconstruction. He was born on 2 April 1943 in Northwood to Edward and Marjorie Green (née Norris). An only child, he attended The Glyn Grammar School in Ewell, Surrey from 1955 to 1962. Whilst at school, Antony was an eager student and excelled at the sciences. He also displayed an aptitude and enthusiasm for wood and metalworking. He insisted that many of the skills from these crafts were equally useful in an operating theatre: ‘measure twice and cut once’ and ‘go with the grain’ were two of his favourites. Such was his dry wit, these maxims often extended to life lessons and even the Sunday roast if applicable! After his A Levels he attended the Royal Dental School, London from 1963 to 1966 for his BDS. It was during his graduation in 1966 that he met his future wife, a nurse named Agnes Cavanagh. Not content and on the encouragement of friends, he went on to study for his MB BS at St. George’s medical school, University of London from 1966 to 1970. Following this, he studied for his FDSRCS from 1970 to 1973. He went on to be a senior registrar at Westminster and St. Mary’s in Roehampton from 1973 to 1977. After qualifying, and now with a young family in tow, he looked north to the mill town of Burnley in Lancashire for his consultant post. This decision led to a lifelong love of the county that became his home for the next 50 years. His dedication to the oral surgery department in Burnley, and the wider county over the years, led to him being appointed to the role of Clinical Director for the area for a period of time. Even after his retirement in 2005, he continued to serve his community: he moved from operating theatres to the county court where he was a magistrate. He faithfully carried out this duty for the next two decades. In his youth, he developed an enduring love for motorcycles. He enjoyed touring and traversed the Pyrenees several times with friends. He collected some impressive models, but his pride and joy was his 1943 Scott Flying Squirrel which he rebuilt from parts. Later in life, he traded the motorcycles in for what could questionably be called a more sensible choice - a three wheeled 1939 Morgan Super sport which ended up with a mantlepiece of awards. In addition to cars and bikes, he held a lifelong interest in mechanical design. Amongst other things, he built a wall clock and a fully operational pianola player running from paper rolls. He also supported the local charities that maintained the county’s remaining steam-operated mills, such as Queen St. and Bancroft Mill. Even in his golden years, he never lost his sense of humour or mischief. By now a grandparent, he shared his love, wisdom and wit with his grandchildren. Days out on steam trains, rides in the Morgan, and even impromptu chemistry lessons. Everyone I have talked to, colleagues and friends alike, describe Antony as an old school gentleman: always clean shaven, wearing a three-piece suit and pocket watch and chain. In testament to his prowess in surgery or just as a genuine person, he was receiving referrals long after he retired and patients still sent Christmas cards decades after their treatment. His last few years were marred with ill health, a combination of wear and tear, age, and a long-term case of autoimmune hepatitis. As always, his wit still shone through. ‘You can’t argue with pathology’ was another of his maxims and his last word on his illness. Antony passed away from hepatic failure on 8 April 2025 at Pendleside Hospice in Reedley, Burnley. He is survived by his wife Agnes, his sons, William and Thomas, and his five grandchildren.