PROFESSOR SIMON PERRY: Professor Simon Herbert Perry, who died on March 15th aged 61, was professor of civil engineering, head of the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering and a Fellow of Trinity College Dublin (TCD). He was also dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Systems Sciences at TCD from 1990-1996.
He was born on May 18th, 1940, in Kettering, one of four children of Herbert George Perry, borough engineer and surveyor of Kettering, Northants, and his wife Betty (née Roberts).
Civil engineering is a practical discipline, which could be seen by some to sit uncomfortably in the academic environment of a university. Simon Perry was the archetype professor who embodied the antithesis of that perception. Knowledge of the theory sufficient unto a practical end was the basis of his approach to the academic and pragmatic aspects of civil engineering.
What distinguished this approach was the energy and drive with which he pursued it, characteristics always remembered by friends, colleagues and students alike. Colourful and enthusiastic, he had an extraordinary ability to drive issues close to his heart, while at the same time showing respect, and sometimes fondness, for those of opposing views.
Simon Perry was educated at Kettering Grammar School and studied civil engineering at University College London, graduating with a PhD in 1966. He was a lecturer in Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria for three years before working as a practising civil engineer with Sir Alexander Gibb and Partners, mainly on road and bridge construction. His work in Africa and later student expeditions across the Sahara were an outlet for his interest and support for developing countries.
He then joined Imperial College of Science and Technology, University of London, where he was a leader of the concrete technology group and an accomplished researcher on fire and impact loading of concrete. His research won him a Coopers Hill War Memorial Medal of the Institution of Civil Engineers in 1976 and a Henry Adams Diploma from the Institution of Structural Engineers in 1982.
He was appointed to the Chair of Civil Engineering at Trinity College Dublin in 1986, as head of the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering. Resolute, he raised the profile of civil engineering within academia and beyond and, in particular, at TCD, keeping a watchful eye on international developments so that Ireland kept in step.
His greatest achievement at TCD was the design and construction of the new civil engineering building - the fruit of his own fundraising efforts.
The building and laboratories enabled civil engineering at TCD to take a more significant role on the international research stage, and to cater more fully for the increasing numbers of students attracted to the subject by his own infectious zeal.
He acted as external examiner for several European universities, but he was particularly keen on this role for universities in developing countries, in particular the University of Science and Technology Kumasi in Ghana and the University of Botswana.
Characteristically, Simon Perry was at his happiest when he was with students. He loved their youth, openness and energy and showed deep concern for those who, perhaps for one reason or another, were going through a difficult time.
Articulate and humorous, he was always an inspiration to students and staff of his department. His empathy for students was reflected in his attention to teaching standards and exposure of students to the practicalities of engineering. He frequently organised site visits and engineering trips abroad for students. Ironically, he was on one of these trips when he died.
His breadth of interest led beyond the more traditional civil engineering subject areas, a reflection of his vision and capacity to embrace change. This range of interests resulted in expansion of the department to encompass wider aspects of environmental and transportation engineering, including unconventional subjects within the civil engineering curriculum. His aim was to offer a more rounded education to engineering students.
One of his particular interests, and possibly the one for which he is best remembered, was his crusade for light rail transit (LRT) in Dublin. His articulation of the critical issues and his ability to bring people with him was one of his great strengths. Even when others thought LRT in Dublin was an impossible dream, Simon Perry had the vision to know it would happen.
He was also an active supporter of the Dublin Transportation Initiative and was an effective chairperson of the consultative panel and later of the advisory committee of the Dublin Transportation Office.
Beyond the world of academia and engineering, Simon Perry had many friends. A brief encounter would be a lasting memory. Apart from the quintessential professorial appearance, scarf around the neck in a well-worn Landrover, he had an infectious enthusiasm for life and a genuine interest in people.
He will be missed as a colleague and friends as well as a character of collegiate life.
Simon Perry is survived by his three brothers, Tim, Jonathan and Matthew.
• Simon Perry: born 1940; died, March 2002