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Sir David Harrison RIP

28 March 2023
Submitted by hab36@cam.ac.uk on 28 March 2023

With great sadness, the college announced the death on March 27th of its former master Sir David Harrison at the age of 92.

Sir David had an association with Selwyn that lasted for more than half the college’s entire existence. He arrived here as an undergraduate in 1950; became a fellow in 1957; pursued his academic career in chemical engineering; and took college roles including serving as senior tutor and later as master. In between, he was a distinguished vice-chancellor of the universities of Keele and Exeter.

Roger Mosey, the current master of Selwyn, said: “Sir David was a towering figure in the history of Selwyn, and an inspiration to generations of academics, students and staff. Most of all, he was a conspicuously kind and gentle man who won affection through his charm as well as his intellect. He was an active member of the college until the end, and we will miss him more than words can say."

Sir David’s funeral was held in the college chapel on April 20th. You can watch the service here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xrucAxSRzE. The photograph, by Howard Beaumont, shows the guard of honour formed by fellows across Old Court as the cortege left the chapel.

 Funeral of Sir David Harrison

Sir David Harrison 1930-2023, RIP.