Secretariat

Paul Hector

Very sadly, Mr Paul Hector, a senior member of the Technical staff in the School of Physics and Astronomy, died on 3 December. Paul joined the University in 1993, having previously acquired extensive experience in the engineering industry. He served a lengthy apprenticeship as a precision toolmaker and was then employed, as toolmaker, fitter and machinist, in a number of firms making a diverse range of products. These included glass and plastic bottle moulds and machinery, newspaper printing presses, sports equipment, diesel and gas powered electric generators and instrument panels for petro-chemical industries and power stations. In Physics, Paul established himself from the outset as a highly skilled Workshop Technician. His responsibilities related principally to the design, manufacture and development of apparatus and instruments covering the full spectrum of research and teaching within the School; he also undertook some work in collaboration with other departments. His expertise was invaluable in the production of a number of items of specialised and complex research equipment, such as a low temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy probe and vacuum laser detection cells, the former for the Condensed Matter Group within Physics and the latter for global air pollution testing undertaken by the School of Chemistry. Paul was greatly liked and respected by everyone; colleagues frequently turned to him for advice and his reputation for speed and efficiency made him a popular choice among those commissioning work. Paul was involved in the training of undergraduates in workshop techniques, and from time to time assisted with the School's research work at Daresbury in Cheshire (the site of the Daresbury Synchotron Radiation Source), where his great care and skill, and his complete professionalism, were also very much appreciated. His death will be deeply felt within the School and beyond. Paul is survived by his wife, Sue and daughter, Ceri. The funeral will be held at St Marys Church, Swillington on Friday 9 December at 11am. As a mark of respect, the flag on the Parkinson Building will be flown at half mast on Friday 9 December. Published: 7 December 2005