Julian, known almost universally as ‘Taz’ among his friends and co-workers, was a dedicated and highly skilled technician who operated to exacting standards. He could always be relied upon to support his technical and academic colleagues in their research endeavours, and to do so with his trademark good humour, banter and camaraderie.

Starting his career in the Royal Navy in 1981, Taz completed basic and technical training at HMS Fisgard, and quickly became known for his uncompromising nature in the standards he set for himself and others. Across a 23-year career, he served on 899, 800 and 801 Naval Air Squadrons and aboard HMS Ark Royal, Illustrious and Invincible, retiring at the rank of Chief Petty Officer Artificer – Sea Harrier Technician. Upon leaving the Navy he spent 13 years at SERCO and two years with the Ministry of Defence before joining us at the University of Bristol.

Following his cancer diagnosis in 2021, Taz remained as determined and caring as ever. He visited us on campus between treatments and, rather than expressing concern over his own wellbeing, would discuss the impact it was having on those around him and what he could do to help.

Taz brought a wealth of experience and expertise to Technical Services when he joined our team, and his unflappable nature, dry humour and extensive repertoire of globe-trotting anecdotes will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.