Mr Ewan C. Christian (Chemistry 1963)

Provided by Dr James Burgess

Ewan Christian (1940 -2007) – Chemistry Graduate 1963.

The death of Ewan Christian on 25 November, 2007 is sadly reported.

Ewan (known as Ted by his college contemporaries) was a Manxman. He was educated at King William’s College, Isle of Man and he joined Imperial College in 1960 to study chemistry. He graduated in 1963. He will be remembered as a gentle and kindly person with a keen sense of humour.

Following graduation and having worked for London Transport for a while, Ewan decided to pursue a career in teaching. He gained his teaching diploma at St Peter’s College, Saltney, Birmingham and, in 1965, he returned to the Isle of Man to teach chemistry in his old school, King William’s College. There he remained for thirty years becoming Head of Chemistry in 1983 and subsequently, Head of Science.

Some of Ewan’s contemporaries at Imperial College may remember his interest in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF). In 1967 he assumed command of his school’s CCF and by the time he retired in 1995 he had risen to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Ewan was a devoted family man and leaves a wife, a son and two daughters.

It may be of interest to note that Ewan’s son, Paul, followed in his father’s footsteps to Imperial College and also studied chemistry. Paul graduated in 1993 and, as a postgraduate, studied under Professor Tony Barratt FRS. Paul was awarded a PhD in 1997.