I met Jon in 1999 as a student in the MSc in Research Methods at UCL. He was already a legend and we had all heard stories about how incredibly smart he was (e.g., the Science and Nature papers, UCL professor at 35, and doing his PhD just with a stopwatch). Some people were rather intimidated by this and worried about Jon's high expectations and standards. But Jon taught his sessions in the most inspirational way. Without notes or slides he would remember everybody's project in detail and help you transform a mediocre idea into something amazing. He was an incredible mentor: caring, empowering and immensely generous. I immediately became a huge fan of his and even though I went on to specialise in personality Jon remained one of my big academic role models and I would always consult him before making any big decisions... and receive his reply just a few minutes later. It is a tragic feature of life that death arrives always too soon for those who make life better for others. The world has lost an irreplaceable genius.
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
