It was with great sadness that we heard of the passing of Prof Wim Skinner on Sunday, 22 May 2016. His journey with the University of Pretoria ranged over more than six decades since his registration as first-year student in 1954 in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, where her graduated in 1957 with a BSc(Iron&Steel). He also obtained the degrees BSc(Hons), MSc(Chem), BEng(Chem) and a DEng in 1984.

After a number of years in the iron and steel industry, he commenced his career as academic in 1964, when he was appointed as Lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering, in the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. He was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor in 1986 and Professor in 1990.  After his retirement in 1996 he was appointed as Extraordinary Professor from 1997 until 2001. His continued association as external examiner, guest lecturer and corrosion consultant was an indication of his commitment to the academic environment.  He served his Faculty admirably and will always be remembered with respect and affection.

His family describes him as ‘a dear, loving man who reached out to others and thoroughly enjoyed life’.

We would like to express our sincere condolences to his wife Anna, his family and friends.

The memorial service will be a private affair for family and friends only.