Dr. Hal Leyland's life exemplified service. Service and commitment to the profession of dentistry and to his countrymen. Born in 1918 in Toronto, Canada, he received his dental training at the Faculty of Dentistry of the University Of Toronto. Upon graduation in 1943, he gained his early experience while serving in the Dental Corp of the Canadian Armed Services during World War II.

Preferring to reside in a warmer climate, he and his wife Marguerite moved to Florida in 1954, where he became involved in organized dentistry and served as a full-time director of the Florida Dental Association. Upon invitation to take-over the practice of the late Dr. Hugh Johnson, the Leyland's moved to The Bahamas in 1961 and made The Bahamas their home, becoming Bahamian citizens in 1975.

Dr. Leyland's contributions to The Bahamas and the profession of dentistry were numerous. Professionally, he co-founded the Bahama Islands Dental Association in 1965 and served as its president in 1970. For 23 years he was a member of the Federation Dentaire International (FDI), serving as the The Bahamas National Secretary from 1971-1975. He was appointed registrar of The Bahamas Dental Council, succeeding the late Dr. Cleveland Eneas Sr. He was an active member of the Academy of Dentistry International, Pierre Fauchard Academy, the Royal Society of Medicine in England and a Fellow of the American College of Dentists (FACD).

A strong believer in giving back to society, Dr. Leyland's civic involvement included serving as a police reservist in the Royal Bahamas Police Force, as well as treasurer of The Bahamas branch of the British Legion. He was instrumental in founding the Kiwanis Club of Nassau in 1962, which was the first branch in The Bahamas, and was a longstanding member. As a Kiwanian between 1964-1974, Dr. Leyland generously donated over 50 hours of dental service each month to the residents of Andros, Exuma, Long Island and Her Majesty's Prison. A noble gesture indeed!