Bernie McConnell

In Memory of

Family, Friend, Mentor and Colleague…

Larger than life character,

and in his own words (borrowing a quote):

“A veritable cornucopia of admirable character traits”.

Book Owner: SMRU

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Samantha Gordine

I believe I first met Bernie in my third year of my undergrad, proudly presenting a SMRU tag to the class. Little did I know then that I would once move into an office next to his when I started my PhD in 2013. Bernie’s door was always open, for discussing research on ellies …

December 30, 2021
7:29 pm

Kelly Macleod

I was on the top corridor with Bernie when I joined SMRU. He was so welcoming (eventhough I was “fishy” type) and had a knack of putting all at ease. I’d often pop along the corridor to get his thoughts on something and be welcomed with “Come in Kelly, Kelly, Kelly….”! What would always …

December 23, 2021
9:11 am

Paddy

Memories of Bernie I met Bernie in 1988 when SMRU was at Madingley Road. He was then what he continued to be, a jovial, gregarious and funny (sometimes unintentionally) character, with a wide sweep of interests in the natural world. Many of my memories from those early days focus on fieldwork, of which there …

December 20, 2021
3:51 pm

Nicola Quick and Julian Dale

We were both lucky to know Bernie during our time at SMRU. His enthusiasm and interest in everything was legendary. He always had advice to offer, even if it involved trying to convince me to work with seals rather than those swimmy fish things. I am not sure anyone who spent time at SMRU …

December 17, 2021
3:14 pm

Clint

Like so many of those who have joined SMRU over the years, I remember clearly that Bernie was one of the very first people to welcome me. In my case that was back in 2002 and he was playing the role of a cheery guide just showing candidates around the Unit and, of course, …

December 17, 2021
3:10 am

Vincent Janik

Bernie had that rare quality of always trying to see other people’s perspectives even when he disagreed with them. I think that willingness to step outside his own head made him such a creative person, not only in science but also in all other aspects of life. His poetry is legendary at the SOI, …

December 16, 2021
9:05 pm

Sophie Smout

I will miss Bernie so much and especaily remember his kindness to me when I was a PhD student at SMRU. He was unfailingly generous with his time. I will also miss his wonderful singing! …

December 16, 2021
6:31 pm

Theoni Photopoulou

I was one of the many students that Bernie taught at the University of St Andrews, first as an undergraduate taking an Hons level module on marine mammal biology, and later as a masters and PhD student. Aside from seal biology, Bernie also taught me that marine mammal scientists were cool. They could be …

December 16, 2021
6:29 pm

Saana Balfour (Isojunno)

Like I imagine many others, I will remember Bernie for being the life and soul of meetings, conferences, and parties – the person who knew everyone and welcomed everyone’s input and expertise (no matter whether a research assistant, professor or a neighbour), thriving in turning regular science meetings to these incredible brainstorms. He leaves …

December 16, 2021
4:14 pm

Chloe M

Here’s to Bernie – the guy with infectious enthusiasm, who always made time for you. It is such a gift to be in a community stoked by his creativity and curiousity. Rest easy. …

December 14, 2021
10:30 am

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