Robin Lee, senior technician in the Language Learning Centre, passed away peacefully on 5 June at the age of 57.
Robin joined the University in March 1974 and his working life spanned an era of immense technological change.
From the standpoint of 2010, when the Language Centre boasts state-of-the-art facilities for language learning, it is hard to contemplate the distant days of the early ‘70s, when reel-to-reel tape recorders were routinely used and the humble cassette recorder constituted cutting-edge technology, but Robin was a man who took change in his stride and regarded every innovation with calm equanimity. He was instrumental in the introduction of satellite TV at Sussex, which was one of the first centres in the country to install it.
He was also very much involved in the foundation of what has grown into the Association of University Language Centres (AULC).
His affable, good-humoured presence and generosity of spirit will be sorely missed by all his colleagues in the Language Centre, the Sussex Language Institute and in the wider University, where his long career had brought him into contact with colleagues from all over the campus.
Robin was also well-known in Lewes, where he was born and lived for most of his life. He was active in many areas of the life of the town, from football and bowls to bonfire and pantomime. It was often noted that a walk along Cliffe High Street in Robin’s company might take a very long time.
A book of condolence will be available at reception in the Language Learning Centre for colleagues wishing to sign.
The University Chaplain, Revd Cn Dr Gavin Ashenden, will conduct Robin’s funeral at the Church of St John sub Castro in Lewes on Thursday (17 June) at 3.30 pm.
Jeremy Page, Sussex Language Institute