There cannot be many scientists in the world who combine a capacity for generating love with superlative intelligence. Jon's effortless brilliance was combined with a way of conducting himself which generated strong affection in most of those who had contact with him, even if these were only relatively brief moments. My central memory of him is one of pure admiration of his behavior on committees -- the sharpest, most penetrating mind in the room, Jon could see and speak to the core of an issue in clipped half sentences where most of us would need a paragraph and would never get there. One often sensed that where many would have been destructive Jon chose to be kind and helpful. This sense of him intentionally opting for generosity drew one toward him. I saw him last week as I was walking out of Ray Dolan's office carrying my folding bike. It was his 1st day back at work. He said without smiling: "Be careful on that thing".
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
