Secretariat

Obituary: Mr Arthur Town

Colleagues will be very sorry to learn of the death, on 18 November 2003, of Mr Arthur Town.

Mr Town, a Cambridge graduate in the natural sciences, joined the University in 1954, following several years in the private steel industry. Over a period spanning almost thirty years, he played a hugely significant role in developing the Universitys Careers Service; his vision, inspiration and incomparable insight into the needs of undergraduates facing their first careers choice was instrumental to the growth and success of the Service we have in place today. Mr Towns enthusiasm for careers planning was not restricted to his role on campus: becoming its first Secretary in the mid-60s, he was also closely involved in the development of the national Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services, an influential organisation which now comprises some 114 higher educational institutions.

Mr Town retired as Deputy Director of the Careers Service in July 1983, His colleagues will remember not only his substantial contribution to the work of the office but also his entertaining wit and dry sense of humour which enlivened even the most arduous of working days.

A celebration of Mr Towns life is to take place on Wednesday 26th November at 1.45 pm at St Marys Church, Allithwaite, Grange-over-Sands, followed by cremation at the Lancaster and Morecambe Crematorium at 3.30 pm. On the day, the Universitys flag on the Parkinson Building will be flown at half-mast in tribute.

Published: 25 November 2003