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Denis died suddenly on 9 June. It was at the height of his career, and his untimely death is a tragedy — not only for family and friends, but also for colleagues.
He was brought up in the West of Scotland, educated at Holy Cross High School, Hamilton, and at Glasgow University, where he graduated in medicine in 1974. Post-Registration, he Became a Senior House Officer in general medicine before entering Psychiatry at the Southern General Hospital in 1977. While there, he came under the influence of James Templeton, psychoanalyst, finding in psychoanalytic theory a way of understanding the mind which stimulated and challenged him.
In 1980, he moved to London from the University Department of Psychological Medicine at Glasgow, with the aim of undertaking a training in psychoanalysis. He worked initially at the Cassel Hospital, and then as Senior Registrar at the Tavistock Clinic. He completed his training, and became an Associate Member of the British Psycho-Analytical Society and Consultant Psychotherapist at the Tavistock Clinic.
It was always his intention to return to Scotland, and he did so in l990, becoming Consultant Psychotherapist at the Southern General Hospital, where he first began his career in psychiatry. One of his first purchases on his return was a kilt, worn thereafter at many a BMA ball.
The decision to leave London was associated with his identity as a Scot and a wish to contribute to psychotherapy and psychiatry in Scotland. Most of all, however, it was a desire to have more time with his family.
He remained active in the British Psycho-Analytical Society, even as he became involved in the Scottish Institute of Human Relations as a Training Analyst. He worked hard at fostering links between these organisations, recognising the tension which stood in the way of progress from both perspectives.
He made substantial contributions to both psychiatry and psychotherapy in Scotland. He became Course Organiser for the West of Scotland postgraduate Training Schem