Les joined London & Scandinavian Metallurgical in 1959 and worked there for 32 years until 1991. During his time at LSM, he was a pioneer of the fused bead method for many different types of sample, and of the runny egg breakfast for unsuspecting service engineers and sales representatives. His ability to produce beads from otherwise refractory materials encouraged others to pick up their platinum ware, cast their first bead and run their first calibration. His practical skills with a muffle and keyboard found world wide acclaim following the publication of the Wide Range Oxide calibration strategy.

Les eased into retirement by confronting a younger audience of prospective analysts at Sheffield Hallam University with wondrous demonstrations of dexterity with spatula and long nosed tongs.

The XRF community is all the better for his wit and wisdom, never acknowledging that he felt better than 'Mondayish' and surrounded by people that made him long to call the missionaries back from abroad, he encouraged many now expert practitioners. During his 81 years he rose from the national service ranks as an aircraft fitter to be respected by Durham Conference delegates as the Venerable Bead. After his funeral on 14th December, his family invited us to enjoy a 'small glass of lemonade' in his memory.

He is survived by his wife Joan, son Martin and daughter Anne.

Margaret West et. al.