We have very find memories of lunch with Mike and Rosemary at their ‘eyrie’ high on the hill overlooking Lewes, soon after i’d joined Sussex as the new Head of Life Sciences. Mike was keen to know if I properly understood the unique nature of Sussex biology and would work to protect it - i think he was reassured and i don’t think i let him down. In the following years I was privileged to have many conversations with him and see his undiminished excitement for science and the support and encouragement he gave to his colleagues - especially those at the beginning of their careers. He will be very greatly missed.