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Brian Bointon was involved in setting up courses in sports science, human nutrition and forensic science
At London Met Brian Bointon was involved in setting up courses in sports science, human nutrition and forensic science
At London Met Brian Bointon was involved in setting up courses in sports science, human nutrition and forensic science

Brian Bointon obituary

This article is more than 3 years old

My husband, Brian Bointon, who has died aged 73 after an emergency heart operation, was an academic and a key player in the development of life science teaching at London Metropolitan University. He was instrumental in setting up its new science centre, which, when it opened in 2006, was the largest science teaching laboratory in Europe, with 280 workstations.

Brian also took a leading role in developing the university’s science modular degree, which was established in the early 1990s to deliver flexible learning as part of the university’s widening access programme, intended to attract and support a diverse intake of students.

Born in Doncaster to Bill Bointon, a warehouse foreman at the brass foundry in Doncaster, and his wife, Eileen (nee Shaw), a clerk at the Co-op, Brian was a quiet, proud Yorkshireman. After attending Doncaster technical high school, he was the first in his family to go to university. He was awarded a first in food technology at Reading University and his PhD in 1975.

Following a period of research in Birmingham, in 1978 he joined the Polytechnic of North London as a lecturer. After a time as head of health and sports science, he became head of health and human sciences at the renamed London Metropolitan University in 2002, and finally the dean of life sciences in 2008. Brian was centrally involved in establishing the university’s provision in sports science, sports therapy, human nutrition and dietetics and forensic science. He was widely respected and liked by his peers and staff.

As part of his work at London Met, he often travelled, working with the British Council, attracting overseas students and setting up franchises abroad. He retired in 2011, after a period as acting deputy vice-chancellor of the university.

Brian’s passion and skill for cooking were famous among our family and the many others who shared his hospitality. He was also a solid amateur footballer, ran marathons, played darts for the local pub team, social bridge and golf. He adored horse racing, his beloved Doncaster Rovers, live concerts, volunteering at the Vortex jazz club and cricket at Lords (with a good glass of wine). In his last few days he was working on his allotment and garden, and walking our latest rescue dalmatian dog.

He is survived by me, our sons, Matthew, Tim and Patrick, and by his sister and brother, Barbara and Phil.

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