Colin Eaborn

Professor Colin Eaborn, aged 80, died peacefully in his sleep on 22 February after a long illness.

He was one of the first four science professors appointed in 1961 and a powerful driving force in the development of the University generally, and the School of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences (now part of Life Sciences) in particular. He was first Dean, then the first Pro-Vice Chancellor (Science). Within 15 years or so he established a school with 40 faculty (including seven Fellows of the Royal Society and two Nobel Laureates), 160 research students and postdoctoral fellows, and 250 undergraduates.

Colin was the author of a seminal book on Organosilicon Chemistry, author or co-author of over 500 scientific papers, the first editor of the Journal of Organometallic Compounds, and the chair of an influential report on the relationship between university courses and the needs of industry.

He was elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society in 1970, and among his many awards were the prestigious Frederic Stanley Kipping Medal of the American Chemical Society and the Ingold Medal of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Colin retired in 1988 but remained active in research and his last comments on the presentation of a scientific paper were made only a few weeks ago.

He will be missed by his numerous friends, colleagues and students both here and throughout the world, for his sharpness of mind, his stimulating conversation, his irresistible urge to tease, his generosity and kindness, and the encouragement he gave to others.

All are welcome to a service of thanksgiving for Colin at 2.30pm on Tuesday (2 March) in the Meeting House.

Dr David Smith, Department of Chemistry

Peter Jerrard

Peter Jerrard, a technician in the School of Life Sciences, died in hospital on 18 February.

He joined the University in November 1991, following a 32-year career in the civil service: initially in the British Museum's Department of Entomology and Department of Zoology; and from 1966-91 as a pest infestation officer in the Ministry of Agriculture.

"Peter has always had a lovely smile for me and a cheery hello," said one of his Sussex colleagues. "He was a gentle and kind man and will be sadly missed."

Christopher Ryan

Christopher Ryan, Emeritus Professor of Italian, died on 20 February after a sudden illness. A full obituary will appear in a future issue of the Bulletin.