He was the very model of a self-made man ... loved and respected by many.

Ahmed Uthman died on 14 December 2005 in the USA, after a long illness. Born in Sulymanniyh, Iraq, in 1931, Ahmed was truly a gifted man. He was successful academically, professionally and politically, and was greatly loved and respected by many. He was the very model of a self-made man, pulling himself through life by his own boot straps.

Ahmed's outstanding performance at high school earned him a scholarship to study dentistry in the UK. In 1957 he graduated from Leeds Dental Institute, returning to Iraq to teach in 1961, but continuing his postgraduate study and becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1964.

In 1970 Ahmed was appointed Dean of the Dental School in the University of Baghdad. Three years later he moved to the USA and was appointed Professor of Oral Medicine at the University of New York State in Buffalo. As an academic Professor Uthman lectured, researched and authored many scientific papers, for which students across the world are grateful.

As he was born in the Kurdish region of Iraq, Ahmed felt for his people and the cause of the Kurd. He was involved in many organisations both in Iraq and elsewhere; he was co-founder, Secretary and later Executive Vice President of the KNC (Kurdistan National Congress) and was also a human rights activist. He was a natural public speaker with a good sense of humour, always a popular figure at meetings and conferences.

Ahmed led a very good life and leaves a great legacy behind him for his family. He leaves behind loving wife Barbara, daughters Joan, Vian and Susan, and son Alan. He is also survived by his many siblings, including older brother Abdul Rahman and younger brother Mahmoud Uthman. May God bless Ahmed's soul and let him rest in peace.