I first met Jon in Cambridge in the early 1990s, when he was my tutor during my second-year undergraduate course in Experimental Psychology. As callow 19 year-olds we were extraordinarily privileged to have the close attention, in groups of two or three, of leading researchers such as Jon. Sessions with him, discussing attention and neglect, remain among my most vivid memories of the time. I think I even tried to discuss consciousness once, though I'm not sure it went too well. Looking back, what was so remarkable was the care and consideration with which Jon engaged with our undoubtedly naive ideas. Whatever we said and wrote, however ignorant, he took us seriously and gently guided us towards a deeper understanding. He gave me the confidence to continue. After Cambridge I saw Jon just a couple of times, at conferences, and each time was reminded just what a brilliant man he was. His passing is a massive loss for neuroscience, but more so of course for his family and friends, whom my thoughts go out to.
Jon Driver died suddenly on 28th November 2011. Jon was a wonderful individual; a loving son, husband, father and brother; and an irreplaceable friend and colleague.
This is a place for everyone who knew Jon to share our memories of him and through this to help celebrate his life.
If you would like to add a description of your memories of Jon to this blog please contact g.rees@ucl.ac.uk with the text you would like posted. We welcome any contribution, from short snippets to longer pieces. Please bear in mind this is a place to remember Jon and to help celebrate his life.
As well as this blog, there is also a photograph album to which friends and colleagues are most welcome to contribute. If you would like to add one or more pictures please email it/them to g.rees@ucl.ac.uk
