Iris Avis, who worked in the catering services at the University for 28 years, died on 20 May, aged 77. She joined the University in 1974 and worked until her retirement in 2003.
During her time at the University, Iris established her renowned skill in flower arranging alongside her skills in the high standard of delivery of the (then very busy) formal, function and wedding business on campus. This contribution was formally recognised in 2001 when she received the Chancellor's Award for her contribution to campus life.
Such was Iris's dedication that, more often than not, she and her husband Bernard would come into work on her days off to make sure that all was prepared to her own exacting standards. "Just doing the flowers" was her description of her ability to produce the most amazing arrangements armed only with a pair of secateurs and a cup of tea.
Any staff and students who went to a winter graduation will have seen Iris's flower arrangements, a service that she provided until her 71st year.
Her provision of floral skills for the catering and conference services continued until September 2010, when finally her illness prevented her carrying on.
Graham Curry, Human Resources Advisor