Tribute to Bernard Gerald Sinclair

Bernard qualified under the old Chemist & Druggist examination, and registered with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in 1950. His first position was as a manager with Timothy White & Taylor, now defunct. He left there in 1952 and opened his first pharmacy in Ben Johnson Road, which he later relocated to Salmon Lane, both in East London. During these years he was a mentor to several preregistration students. In 1973, he sold that pharmacy and opened another in South Audley Street.

He retired for a short period, and then he and I bought a pharmacy together in Elizabeth Street, south west London, and job shared for about three years until we both retired.

I have known Bernard since my youth. He was an excellent pharmacist, much respected by his customers and was often their first call for advice — “the chemist” of yesteryear. He had an older brother, also a pharmacist, who probably steered him towards pharmacy.

Bernard’s best move was to marry Valerie in 1950, it was a long and happy marriage. She survives him with their two daughters, Hilary and Francis, and four grandsons.

He became involved in community work at an early age, and was the first captain of a new jewish youth club in Ilford aged 19. He didn’t stop there and was instrumental in building up the club to what is known as Sinclair House — it is now the largest Jewish Community Centre in Europe, offering help to many people, both young and old. For this he was awarded an MBE in 2008.

Bernard was unstinting in the time and energy he gave to the club and all our generation acknowledge this. He also found time for his interest in sport and was a lifelong Spurs supporter.

Sadly he suffered a stroke in 2009 which blighted his final years.

Bernard was a big man in every sense of the word, and he will be missed and remembered.