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Obituary: Bryan Law

Bryan Law, who worked in the former School of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences (MOLS) for 28 years and became Laboratory Superintendent, died on 11 May at the age of 76.

A photo of Bryan Law in a laboratoryIn the days before computing, teaching and research in the science schools were supported by an army of technical staff, who built apparatus, maintained equipment and services, kept laboratories and offices clean, made tea, and organised mail and portering.

They outnumbered academic research staff and were mainly non-graduates, though many were well grounded in technical education.

The Laboratory Superintendent, working with the Laboratory Director (an academic), was responsible for the daily management of this group, which could be as large as 70. The Superintendent needed wide hands-on practical experience as well as skill in dealing with people - both those more junior and academics who often considered themselves intellectually superior.

Bryan came to Sussex from Sheffield in 1971, as a senior technical assistant to Ron (later Sir Ronald) Mason FRS, who brought a state-of-the art ultrahigh vacuum rig and a range of complex analytical equipment.

He became deputy to Peter Gilliver, the first Laboratory Superintendent of MOLS and, when Peter retired, was appointed as his successor.

During Bryan’s time in office, the modus operandi of science departments changed dramatically. Computers became ubiquitous; safety requirements in laboratories increased significantly; equipment became more sophisticated and less easily maintained by non-specialists; services were centralised; and the number of technical staff decreased.

Bryan managed these changes with tact and foresight. He introduced a system for barcoding of items in the stores and worked with others to install the School’s first cable network for computers. He managed the School’s petty cash, worked amicably with academic faculty, specialist technicians, the other three Science Laboratory Superintendents (who met together regularly), unions, accountants, and safety officers. He took particular care in advising people in junior posts, who were granted a day off a week to pursue their studies at local technical colleges.

He enjoyed his time at the University, “working with such great people”, he said. His former colleagues are equally warm in their comments and mention his reliability, integrity and good sense. One said: “It was very good to have known Bryan for such a long time.”

After he retired, Bryan worked with Christian Friends of Israel, an organisation based in Eastbourne.

All who knew Bryan are invited to a celebration of his life at 2.30pm on Thursday 28 May in St Martin’s United Reformed Church, Longridge Avenue, Saltdean BN2 8LR.

Bryan is survived by Judy, his wife of 53 years, a daughter and three sons.

Dr David Smith, Emeritus Reader in Chemistry