Lionel Mansfield retires after 39 years at UCT

Lionel joined the staff of UCT in 1970 in the Department of Chemistry, in those days where the ICTS Department is today. In 1975, he joined the Fitz following the retirement of the late Mr Augustus, the then Departmental Assistant.

During this long stay and superb service, Lionel has met a vast number of people and he says, “all his experiences with them have created the maturity of both himself and the Fitz”. Of special significance was his honour to have met Cecily and Jack Niven, the founders of the Institute, and to be associated for many years with Cecily’s son Patrick Niven as a Board member.

During Lionel’s service he enjoyed the leadership of three Institute Directors, namely Prof. Roy Siegfried, Prof Morné du Plessis and the current Director, Prof. Phil Hockey.

Lionel has also worked through some unfortunate and sad moments, for instance the passing of dear colleagues such as the late Richard Brooke.

Lionel expresses his thanks for the privilege to have had the opportunity to work at the university and the Fitz over the majority of his adult life. He leaves with fond memories and hopes to stay in touch with the Institute.

The accompanying photograph was taken at the UCT Retirees Dinner at Smuts Hall on Thursday the 12th of November 2009.

Image: Lionel on the right with his Fitz colleague of 19 years, Chris Tobler, on the left.