Eric Peeling
Dr Eric Peeling, a member of faculty in the former School of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, died on 4 April aged 84.
He obtained his PhD from University College, London and held posts at Cardiff and Leicester before coming to Sussex in 1962 as a senior lecturer. He was the second chemist, after Colin Eaborn, to be appointed here.
At a time when the University was expanding rapidly it was customary for each of the main science subject groups to have a member of faculty as Laboratory Director and Eric held this post from 1962 to 1979. He worked with architects, builders, suppliers and accountants to transform specifications and drawings on paper into a thriving complex of offices and laboratories housing 300 undergraduates and 160 research workers. The project was completed in three stages in about 10 years.
Eric retired in 1981 and we remember him for his skill in working with people, his scrupulous fairness, his patience as a teacher, and the kindness and encouragement he showed to younger colleagues.
Dr David Smith, Chemistry