Roger Bates, a finance assistant in Management Accounts, died on 19 April.
Roger was involved in a fatal kayaking incident on the River Dee in North Wales while taking part in a trip organised by the Sussex Canoe Club.
Members of the Students’ Union society said: “The whole club is devastated by the loss of a valued member and friend, who we will always remember as a smiling, laughing and outgoing guy. He contributed so much in the time he was with us.”
Roger, who lived in Brighton, had worked at the University for a total of nine years (1996-2004 and 2007-08). Director of Finance Allan Spencer said: “Roger was a popular member of staff who will be missed greatly by those who worked with him. We are all deeply saddened by his death.”
He had also been a member and leader of the Rescue Team and had dealt with numerous emergency situations across campus over the years, helping many people with his professional and calm manner. Roger was also a member of the University British Red Cross Group for the last seven years, and a first aid trainer.
Peter Reed worked alongside Roger in both the Rescue Team and the Red Cross Group. He said: "He was dedicated to both the team and group, was much liked and well respected. Roger was always cheerful, could make us all laugh and was always very willing to help in any way he could. We will all sorely miss him."
A memorial service for Roger will be held on campus at a date to be arranged.