It is with the greatest regret that we learnt of the death of Dr Lewis Ryder, former member of staff in the School of Physical Science, on 17 December.

Lewis joined the University of Kent at Canterbury in 1967 as one of the first cohort of Physics staff and, despite retiring in 1997, he continued to play a key role in the School and the University until very recently, including frequently playing the organ for University degree ceremonies in Canterbury Cathedral. He will be remembered with great affection by his colleagues and many former students.

The funeral service for Lewis will be in the Crypt of Canterbury Cathedral at 11.00 on  Monday 14 January, with a reception in the Cathedral Lodge to follow at 12.00. His family have kindly said that all are welcome to attend.

Lewis pursued his entire career at the University, designed much of the Modern Physics aspects was the author of three books on ‘Elementary Particles and Symmetries’; ‘Quantum Field Theory’ and an ‘Introduction to General Relativity’. These texts became classics in the field and were used by literally thousands of students over many decades (all are available on Amazon!).

He was also a very gifted musician, becoming an Associate of the Royal College of Organists and a Deputy Organist at Canterbury Cathedral.