TRIBUTES have been paid to an internationally recognised scientist from Berkeley whose research revolutionised his field.
Professor Philip Brookes - who died at the age of 72 - was a well-known soil biologist whose career took him around the world, holding professorships in the UK and China.
His work, which also included investigating various pollution issues, led him to meeting Mary Robinson when she was President of the Republic of Ireland.
Meanwhile, he was also a well-known and much-loved character in and around Berkeley visiting the area until both his parents Kathleen and Leonard died.
His family say he will be remembered for his “wicked sense of humour” and “unique approach to life”.
Phil was born at Berkeley Hospital in 1951, living his early years in the town attending Dursley Grammar School and eventually working at R A Lister.
After leaving Listers, he studied biology at Coventry University and graduated with a first then completed a PhD.
In 1976, he started working at the agricultural institution Rothamsted Research in Hertfordshire, where he would spend the rest of his scientific career.
Phil gained international recognition for his work on the survival and activity of soil microorganisms, which had been a major focus of his research.
He also worked with numerous Ph.D. students, early career scientists and visiting scientists from around the world, becoming a mentor to many younger colleagues.
After retiring in 2011, he even accepted a Chinese government fellowship to work at Zhejiang University.
He spent six years at the university and during that time received a prestigious award for his achievements from the Chinese government.
Following his second retirement, he enjoyed living in his beloved adopted country of Ireland.
He lived in the Cahir area in Ballinrobe, County Mayo where he pursued his lifelong interests in beekeeping, country life, and fishing.
Phil died peacefully at University Hospital Galway in September last year.
He leaves behind his brothers Jeffrey and Lawrence, sisters-in-law Jill and Jayne, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours, and a large circle of friends.
Brother Jeff Brookes said: “His achievements in soil science will be remembered by so many all over the world, but so will the remarkable trail of hilarious stories he left behind him every day, through his unique approach to life and wicked sense of humour.
“He was an extremely knowledgeable beekeeper and a familiar site at local markets in Ireland selling his honey and beeswax.
“He was never happier than when tending his bees in his home.
“We have received so many moving messages of condolence from all over the world, many truly affected by his death, he was highly respected and much loved by family, friends, students and colleagues.
“At his funeral many of his Irish fishing friends gave him a guard of honour next to his beloved Loch Mask, dressed in their fishing gear – a fitting tribute.”
Former colleague David Powlson from Rothamsted Research said: “Many older colleagues have memories of searching in freezers for precious samples of soil and finding plastic bags containing Phil’s trout awaiting later culinary use.
“In addition to being a highly influential soil microbiologist, Philip was a larger-than-life character.
“He was always ready for a scientific argument if he thought someone was misinterpreting the evidence or accepting unjustified assumptions.
“He will be greatly missed by colleagues and former students across the world, by his family and by his many friends in Ireland.”
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