Tony and I (and our late fiend Keith McLachlan) were in the same year studying Geography at Durham University. I remember him for his brilliant intellect – he seemed to be on different and higher level than the rest of us - beneath a modest and unassuming exterior and as someone who always took the time to help and support others. To my surprise he did not take up an academic career immediately but spent two years in the Royal Engineers mapping South Arabia. Keith McLachlan persuaded him to apply for a fellowship at SOAS working on Libya and the rest is history. Tony taught many of us to see water almost as a currency and even today I still find myself trying to assess the virtual water content of everyday objects. Tony retained his modesty and integrity and desire to help throughout his life despite his achievements and his eminence. He had an extraordinary knack of remembering where we had to break off a conversation so that we resume it he next time we met – which could be several days, weeks or months later. A great scholar and teacher and friend.
Tony and I (and our late fiend Keith McLachlan) were in the same year studying Geography at Durham University. I remember him for his brilliant intellect – he seemed to be on different and higher level than the rest of us - beneath a modest and unassuming exterior and as someone who always took the time to help and support others. To my surprise he did not take up an academic career immediately but spent two years in the Royal Engineers mapping South Arabia. Keith McLachlan persuaded him to apply for a fellowship at SOAS working on Libya and the rest is history. Tony taught many of us to see water almost as a currency and even today I still find myself trying to assess the virtual water content of everyday objects. Tony retained his modesty and integrity and desire to help throughout his life despite his achievements and his eminence. He had an extraordinary knack of remembering where we had to break off a conversation so that we resume it he next time we met – which could be several days, weeks or months later. A great scholar and teacher and friend.
