Hubert Rees DFC. 2 October 1923 — 13 September 2009

Abstract

Hubert Rees was born on 2 October 1923 in Llangennech, Carmarthenshire, in Wales, and died on 13 September 2009 in Aberystwyth. Hugh, as he was known to his wide circle of friends and colleagues, was educated at Llandovery and Llanelli grammar schools. After leaving school he joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) and in 1944 he became a Lancaster bomber pilot. On demobilization in 1946 he enrolled as a student at Aberystwyth University, graduating with first-class honours in agricultural botany in 1950. After a short secondment to the John Innes Horticultural Institution at Bayfordbury he took up an appointment as Lecturer in Cytology at the newly-formed Department of Genetics at Birmingham University. In 1958 he returned to Aberystwyth as Senior Lecturer in Agricultural Botany, being promoted to Reader in 1966 and ultimately Professor and Head of Department. He rapidly built up an internationally acclaimed school of study into the genetic control of chromosome behaviour in plants, and on evolutionary changes in chromosome organization. Hugh Rees had an impressive intellect and was an inspirational teacher who left his mark on all who came under his supervision. In 1983 he was appointed Vice Principal at Aberystwyth. He retired in 1991 and then pursued his many interests and hobbies. Together with his wife, Mavis, he was well known to many friends and colleagues for his generous hospitality, his love of good food and wine, and as a raconteur. Hugh is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters. Another son predeceased him.