Secretariat

Dr Jane Burch

Dr Jane Burch, former part-time Lecturer in the then Department of Biochemistry, died on 31 July 2010.

Jane Burch read for the Natural Sciences Tripos at Cambridge where she also completed a PhD in Biochemistry.  She joined the Department of Biochemistry as an Honorary Demonstrator in 1950, was appointed to a temporary assistant lectureship in the following year and became a Lecturer (part-time) in 1953.  She was to prove one of the mainstays of the Department’s teaching programmes, for both BSc and medical students, for the next forty years, also taking extensive responsibility for the organisation of practical classes.  Dr Burch was held in the highest regard for her enthusiasm, thoroughness and professionalism.

A very enthusiastic walker in her spare time, Jane was a member of the SCR Walking Club and a notable presence at Club events for many years.

On her retirement in 1991, Jane embarked on a second career as a volunteer with the Citizens Advice Bureau in Leeds.  This she pursued with enormous energy and commitment until just a few months ago.

Dr Burch’s husband, Professor Philip Burch, died in 1987.  She is survived by sons Stephen and Matthew and daughter, Belinda, and four grandchildren.

A celebration to honour and celebrate the life of Dr Burch took place on 13 August 2010.  Anyone requiring a paper copy of the tribute delivered on that occasion is invited to get in touch with Helen Pickersgill (e-mail: h.j.pickersgill@adm.leeds.ac.uk).