Robert Gray (1952 - 2020)

Rob Gray we first met over 30 years ago in Dunedin when you visited with Sue, Mikey and Chris. You proved an inspiration to me, to my first publication, and my career ever since. You were an outstanding academic, and founder of the sub-discipline which has proved so influential to so many others too. I came to spend time with you in early 2000 when you were at Glasgow. I told you I wanted to save the Earth, you said the same, but you also told me you were going to build an army to do it. CSEAR will remain a living tribute to that army. You came to spend time in Dunedin in 2002 as a William Evans Fellow, and we travelled to Melbourne for the first Australian CSEAR conference. Your army was going worldwide. You were such an exciting, funny and dynamic individual, you kept drawing me back. A truly passionate and innovative mind. Janis and I chose to spend the last three of my sabbaticals since 2013 at St. Andrews, and around you and Sue. We got to know you both so much more intimately on these visits, and life in your Kingdom of Fife. We enjoyed dinners at yours and the View Inn overlooking the Tay, where you once scared the shit out of me sailing on your little boat. We got to love your wicked sense of humour, and learn your tastes in music and whisky. What a night in the village hall with Still Standing Still. You and I have unfinished work, but that will come in time. As the tāngata whenua say, no greater Tōtara could have fallen, and we are both deeply and personally saddened at your leaving so sudden. Long may your soul ride the seas of the Western Isles – a place you particularly loved. We will look for you when we next scan the horizon from the heights of the Cuillin. Sláinte – a dram of Macallan (a favourite) to you Rob. Thinking of you Sue, Mikey and Chris. Love Markus and Janis