Beynon John, Reader in French and one of the 'founding fathers' of the University, died on 6 April after a long illness, aged 85.
He came to Sussex in 1961, bringing with him his broad experience from the WEA (Workers' Educational Association), and instruction in French language and culture at the London School of Economics.
At Sussex, he was quickly involved in helping to equip the Library from scratch and in mapping out the intellectual structures of the School of European Studies, taking especial responsibility for the 'Modern European Mind' course, which became one of the defining features of the student experience.
His wisdom, support and guidance were invaluable to successive Deans of the School, who frequently turned to Beynon for counsel, and were always rewarded with much wit and common sense.
In retirement, he continued to work and to publish on modern French theatre and on the vast output of Jean-Paul Sartre.
He will be sorely missed, for the warmth of his commitment to both his students and his colleagues was remarkable.
Friends and colleagues are welcome to attend a memorial service in the Meeting House on Friday 1 May at 10.30am.
Margaret McGowan, former Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor