I never worked with Professor Wilson Sibbett but I got to have several conversations with him at conferences and when visiting University of St Andrews as an alumnus. I finished my PhD, supervised by Professor Malcolm Dunn, before Wilson became Head of School. But, I saw the amazing pick up in Malcolm’s career enabled by Wilson’s arrival. The warm, thoughtful and appreciative contributions to this remembrance book speak to his excellence in mentoring and guiding talented students and early career researchers. But being someone who did the same for colleagues is quite rare in my experience, and it impressed from afar. He really did an incredible job at building the scale and reputation of activity in the School of Physics at St Andrews.

The last time I talked with Wilson was at the Tribute session held at The School of Physics and Astronomy for professors who had passed away during COVID times. Wilson was there to pay tribute to Malcolm. He spoke eloquently, off the cuff, not a note in sight. An amazing speaker. Someone who had a direct line for the right words from brain to mouth. Rare skills. Everyone can get a taste of that from reading the address he gave at the graduation ceremony at City University London in 2017. I have sat in many a graduation ceremony where the speaker disappointed for a celebratory occasion. Wilson nailed it. https://medium.com/@CityUniLondon/professor-wilson-sibbett-4ef827fbacc5

It is important that we acknowledge the passing of those who have good minds and good hearts and who make so many lives better. We need more of them.