The College deeply regrets to report that Dr Patrick Baird, our Emeritus Physics Fellow, died on Sunday 12 November 2023 aged 74. He had had cancer for the last year.

Patrick originally came up to Univ in 1970 as a postgraduate student from Exeter University. On completing his doctorate, he held Lectureships at Merton and Christ Church before returning to Univ in 1984 as one of our Physics Fellows, and stayed here until his retirement in 2016. During this time he served as IT Fellow from 2012-16 and Web Fellow from 2012-15. Univ did not merely give Patrick an academic home for over thirty years; he also met his wife Liz when she was working in the College Office. They had two children.

A tribute to Patrick by his colleague of many years’ standing, Professor Robin Nicholas, written to mark his retirement, may be found on page 18 of the 2016 issue of the University College Record.

A memorial service for Patrick will take place in the College Chapel at 2pm on Saturday 17 February 2024. All are warmly invited to attend. The service will be followed by refreshments at 3pm.

Patrick’s family invites anyone who may wish to make a donation in Patrick’s memory to give to UCARE, an Oxford-based Urology cancer research and education charity, which is currently fundraising for a Research Nurse at the Churchill Hospital. Donations may be made here.

The College sends its deep condolences to Liz and to their children.

Published: 24 November 2023