I was first introduced to Tony via Mark Zeitoun. I met him at the SOAS senior common room in the summer of 2009. Tony was so humble and engaging especially to me, a relative stranger who was just visiting the UK for a few weeks. You would have never known that he had won the World Water Prize the year before. His challenging, but supportive questions in my research interests resulted in me handing in my notice at my job and applying to do a PhD under his supervision at KCL immediately. It was only after I met him did I begin to understand what a figure he was in the water world.
Over the last decade he became a mentor and a good friend. He was a fantastic supervisor. He taught me much about critical thinking, writing and teaching. He was supportive and equally challenging me to do better, to do more. His humbleness and kindness were exceptional. He would always ask caring questions about my family. He would apologise profusely if ever a few minutes late. He was exceptionally generous with his time to everyone who showed interest in the interdisciplinary nature of water. He hated being fussed over, but always appreciated help when given. I went to many conferences and events with him and was in awe at his piercing questions that would cut down the crap said by other speakers. His lack of patience for positive change was endearing and motivating. He was fearless.
He was an inspiring educator. I was in awe of his ability to dive down to a community’s water problems in a specific locale almost anywhere in the world and then jump out to stratospheric issues of virtual water and global trade. It often seemed as if his knowledge knew no boundaries. He was always keen for a pint or two and some crisps and enjoyed meeting new people in completely different fields. I will miss him, but I know from speaking with him recently that his mind was as sharp as ever and I think he would have wanted us to remember him that way. His influence on me personally and professionally is one that I carry with pride. I continue to try to emulate his nature and drive in my work and life. Thank you Tony! RIP.
I was first introduced to Tony via Mark Zeitoun. I met him at the SOAS senior common room in the summer of 2009. Tony was so humble and engaging especially to me, a relative stranger who was just visiting the UK for a few weeks. You would have never known that he had won the World Water Prize the year before. His challenging, but supportive questions in my research interests resulted in me handing in my notice at my job and applying to do a PhD under his supervision at KCL immediately. It was only after I met him did I begin to understand what a figure he was in the water world.
Over the last decade he became a mentor and a good friend. He was a fantastic supervisor. He taught me much about critical thinking, writing and teaching. He was supportive and equally challenging me to do better, to do more. His humbleness and kindness were exceptional. He would always ask caring questions about my family. He would apologise profusely if ever a few minutes late. He was exceptionally generous with his time to everyone who showed interest in the interdisciplinary nature of water. He hated being fussed over, but always appreciated help when given. I went to many conferences and events with him and was in awe at his piercing questions that would cut down the crap said by other speakers. His lack of patience for positive change was endearing and motivating. He was fearless.
He was an inspiring educator. I was in awe of his ability to dive down to a community’s water problems in a specific locale almost anywhere in the world and then jump out to stratospheric issues of virtual water and global trade. It often seemed as if his knowledge knew no boundaries. He was always keen for a pint or two and some crisps and enjoyed meeting new people in completely different fields. I will miss him, but I know from speaking with him recently that his mind was as sharp as ever and I think he would have wanted us to remember him that way. His influence on me personally and professionally is one that I carry with pride. I continue to try to emulate his nature and drive in my work and life. Thank you Tony! RIP.
