contents

Pat Tear

---

Pat's funeral service was held in the Meeting House last Saturday, 11 January. The Meeting House Chapel was full of friends, family and colleagues who had known or worked with him since his arrival at the University in 1967.

It was an unconventional service - which Pat would have appreciated. Pat had left a few instructions in his will about his own funeral service. After an address by the University Chaplain several people reminisced, looking back on one of the most colourful members of the University community. His wife read from the Hacker diaries, which Pat had loved, and gave a humorous rendering of the skill of 'administration' in general.

Geoff Lockwood spoke of Pat's professionalism; Brian Reynolds talked of him as a friend and boss, and Dr Guy Tear, his son, talked of him as a father. He was particularly remembered for his stature as a humane, effective and kind colleague and friend. Although he had retired several times in different capacities, his early death at the age of 58 from pneumonia had been a great and unexpected shock both to his family and to the University community.

A jazz band played him in to the Chapel, and the mourners joined them to sing him out to the spiritual Swing Low Sweet Chariot.

He had made it clear that if anyone cared to, he would be glad if they made a donation to the Motor Neurone Disease Association following his death; (cheques c/o Cooper & Sons, 42 The High Street, Lewes. 475557.)

All those who knew and worked with Pat, will miss him greatly.

contents | next article

Friday January 17th 1997