I graduated in Physics at Battersea in 1962 and, together with Mike Bevis, was Alan's first PhD student. My choice of supervisor was guided by Lewis Elton, to whom I'm most grateful. Alan's enthusiasm and careful guidance had a lasting effect on me and I hope some of his qualities as a supervisor were found in me by my own students in turn. Mike and I remained close to Alan, and much enjoyed hearing of the many interests he and Glenys had in his non-professional life. The two photographs taken when he visited Mike's house near Kendal in 2008 and took a party of us to the site of an old gunpowder factory provide an example of his kindness in sharing his knowledge with others. He will be much missed.