Mr Tennyson Harris MChem CChem FRSC

Tennyson, born in Southport, to a generation of Jewish immigrants, was from his youngest days an intelligent academic, keen on the sciences. He obtained a first class honours degree in Chemistry from Manchester University giving him both a springboard and a firm foundation for his future career as an independent analyst and forensic scientist. Working independently from the home office meant he was always at a considerable equipment disadvantage, but this never deterred him from ensuring he was always at the front line of his field. His performances as an expert witness in court proceedings never veered, because they were based on sound knowledge, professionalism, precision, and a desire to get to the scientific truth whichever side he was representing.

He took his hand to a number of different fields during his working life, in particular becoming a handwriting expert. It is testimony to him that he did not retire from full practice till he had reached his 75th year. There is no doubt that on retirement he missed working, but he kept in touch and fully up to date through the journals to which he made a number of lettered contributions.

Despite the main intellectual thrust of his life, he was a keen sportsman, and keen reader. He was a gentle man, who was able to get on easily with people particularly his staff, but did not suffer fools gladly. He was the complete scientist. He died peacefully on April 27 2005.

Mr Ian Harris

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