Scientist Gerald 'liked to do things that were unexpected'

Published on Wednesday 3 June 2009 10:00

GERALD Smith, a respected Heriot-Watt University scientist, has died aged 53.

Gerald Smith was born on 28 February, 1956. Although originally based in Glasgow his family moved near to Paisley after he was born. His parents John and Rita went on to have two more children, Michelle and Margot. Gerald attended Reid Kerr college in Paisley and later carried on his studies at Paisley College of Technology, focusing on electrical engineering.

Gerald, latterly of Mid Calder in West Lothian, met his wife Sandra, a student nurse at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, in 1977 while he was studying.

He transferred to Napier and it was here that he completed his training. He married Sandra in 1980 and they had two children, Robert in 1982 and a Hazel in 1985.

In 1981 he joined Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.

Gerald's colleague, Phillip John, Dean of the University (Science & Engineering), said Gerald spent most of his working life in mass spectrometry, a technique that measures molecular mass and can be used to find structural information about a molecule.

Mr John said: "Gerry liked to call himself a mass spectroscopist rather than a research technician. The general public know little about mass spectroscopy, unlike say MRI, but it is as important or arguably more important in identifying molecules which are important in health and disease, pharmaceuticals, forensics, semiconductors and the environment."

He transferred from Department of Chemistry duties to Edinburgh Surface Analysis Technology (ESAT) in 1988 when the first laser mass spectrometer of its type in the UK was purchased.

Working closely with Mr John, the technology was used to solve the analytical problems encountered by international companies within 'Silicon Glen'.

Mr John said: "In that demanding role Gerry was highly professional in his attitude to the 'blue-chip' global companies. Clients came to expect their reports on their desk within a few days and on quite a few occasions the faxed copies were awaiting them sitting on their desk after returning from ESAT."

He was skilled in experiments, kept abreast of developments in Japan and the US, and was instrumental in developing state-of-the-art techniques at ESAT.

In 2002 he returned to working in the Department of Chemistry, running the mass spectrometry service which he did with his usual diligence and professionalism despite being dogged by ill-health.

He was a co-author on 16 refereed journal papers resulting from research contracts and consultancies showing how much his contribution was valued by his academic colleagues and friends.

His wife Sandra described him as a very spontaneous, exciting person to be around.

"He liked to do things that were unexpected," she said.

Outside of work he loved outdoor activities such as hill walking and fishing.

He died on 23 April 2009.