Dr Ernest Victor Kerr

Dr Ernest Victor Kerr graduated in Dentistry in 1949 and was awarded the Claudius Ash Award in his final year exams. He formed his own dental practice on the corner of University Street and the Ormeau Road in 1950 which he ran until his retirement, at the age of 68, in 1994.

In 1994 he was recognised for his outstanding work in dentistry and was awarded Honorary Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons. He was a strong supporter of charities for the less fortunate and in the early 1990s he gave his time to work, in very difficult and basic conditions, to improve the dental care for hundreds of Romanian children in several orphanages in Romania.

Outside of dentistry Victor Kerr had a very active life and during the 1950s was a successful rally car driver winning the 500 Racing Club of Ireland Championship on a number of occasions. In addition, he had many business interests which included owning a number of public houses and forming a successful car hire firm.

During the 1970s and 80s he became a noted restorer of vintage cars and returned several classic vehicles to their original condition. He would often be seen driving around Belfast in his 1936 BMW/Fraser Nash 2 seater sports car which took him 7 years to restore.

Following his retirement he travelled widely, including around China when he was 79. In his last 10 years he became involved with ProBus, an organisation for retirees from the Professions and Business. This included 6 years as Secretary, in recognition of which he was awarded Honorary Life Membership in January 2015. 

Victor Kerr is survived by his wife (Edith) of 60 years and his three children, Carol, Gillian and Ian.

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