Friends and colleagues at Aberdeen University have paid tribute to William Mordue, the former head of zoology – and an expert on the midge – who has died at the age of 80.
Prof Mordue – or Bill as he was usually known – left Imperial College in London in 1980 to take up a chair at the university and was appointed head of the department of zoology the same year.
He was a well-respected and popular figure and, within five years, became a vice-principal, then senior vice-principal and, for a time, acting principal.
Prof Mordue came to Aberdeen as an insect physiologist of international standing. His research group was the first to characterise an insect neuropeptide and gain understanding of the role of hormones in insect flight.
Alongside his wife, Jenny, he established the Scottish midge research unit and they carried out exhaustive research into the famous insect.
His colleague, Paul Racey, said: “As the department head, Bill’s management style was characterised by a light touch, but his relaxed style belied considerable powers of persuasion.
“He built the research excellence of the department reshaping the department of zoology which grew in size and stature during his tenure and was, until a little over a decade ago, along with Oxford and Cambridge, one of the last such departments in the UK. He retired in 2003.”
He was proud of his roots among the coal-mining communities in the north-east of England which gave him an empathy for students who had struggled to get to university. He is also fondly remembered by the many young academics and researchers who enjoyed his support and advice as they developed their careers.
One recalled: “He was one in a million, a brilliant scientist, supervisor and such a warm and generous person – we were truly lucky to have known him.”
Alan Pike, another colleague and neighbour, said: “Bill settled into life in Aberdeen with his, then, young family and for 40 years was thoroughly immersed in his academic and social life where he enjoyed the company of a wide circle of friends.”
A devoted family man, Prof Mordue is survived by his wife, their three children, Rebecca, Steven and Robin, and five grandchildren.
His family said they had lost a devoted husband, father and grandfather and added they would “gravely miss the warmth of his presence”.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
