Our sincere condolences

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From : Den's Friends, Colleagues & Associates

RIP Denys Brunsden (OBE) 14 March 1936 - 25 January 2024 Professor of Geomorphology - Kings College London & Free University of Chideock Inspirational Teacher & Friend to so many Super-Consultant - worldwide industry projects Visionary & Author - Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Image: 'Geodiversity' epitomising this great man!

- Prof Roger Moore

Dear Elizabeth, You are in my thoughts. I hope this card finds you well. I'd like to thank you and Denys again. Thank you for always being so nice to us and teaching my dad and me so much more than geomorphology.

- Yi-Ting Lin (Elizabeth Lin)

RIP What a shock mews for me. I would like to express my deepest condoleness. Denys We will never forget that hewas such a great man and so nice to us. It is a kind of great loss for my family too. Thank you Denys.

- Prof. Jiun-Chuan Lin,, Yi-Ting Lin, Ying-Tong Lin

Dear Elizabeth and family, we are so saddened by the loss of Denys, he was such a character and dear friend to our family. We have such wonderful memories of the occasions we all shared on business and visits to your family home. You always made us feel so welcome and we will cherish those times forever. Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time xx

- Roger and Natasha (family + Star)

Supervisory and later meetings with Denys were always entertaining and I soon learnt that he loved to provoke- both to entertain himself but more significantly to get you to think. I thrived on this and his enthusiasm had a profound impact upon me and my future- I’ll be forever grateful!

- Jim Chandler

Dear Elizabeth and family, Denys was a constant inspiration to me during my PhD and throughout my career. Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of such a great man.

- Gareth Hearn

Denys was not only a world leading Geomorphologist but more importantly a thoroughly decent gentleman. He will be sorely missed. Sarah and Jim Griffiths

- Jim Griffiths

Landslide survey, Ok Tedi, Papua New Guinea

- Jim Griffiths (Geomorphological Services Ltd)

Dear Elizabeth and family, We're saddened by your loss. Denys was an inspirational lecturer, research supervisor and field teacher, and you were always such kind and generous hosts on our visits to Sevenoaks and Chideock. We feel privileged to have known him; may he rest in peace.

- Dick and Youlee

Dear Elizabeth, My sincere condolences to you and the family. Denys was one of my PhD supervisors and went on to be hugely supportive of my academic career. From arguments about landslides while walking across Waterloo Bridge to tall tales of site investigations regaled to groups of my students in Lyme Regis, I will greatly miss his inspirational presence and influence.

- Alan Dykes

Denys, Thanks for all great times in the field. The kids still talk about fossiling and shrimps at Seatown beach.

- Mark Lee

Dear Elizabeth, My memories of Denys are all golden and I recognize that his star qualities were based not only in his intellect but also on his family and faith. We shall all miss him and thank you for lending him to us all. Sincerely, Olav

- Olav Slaymaker

Dear Elisabeth, I would like to convey to you and your family my deepest condolences, as well as those of the Italian Association of Physical Geography and Geomorphology that I am currently presiding. I was lucky to meet with Denys in the early stage of my career. He was a source of great inspiration! I was so proud when I was awarded with the first IAG Brunsden medal! May he rest in peace. Mauro

- Mauro Soldati

Dear Elizabeth, The whole community of French geomorphologists is at your side and shares your deep sadness. Denys meant so much to us and was such a unique person as well as a brilliant scientist. I keep vivid memories of him, you and Bob Allison in IAG conf. and the Dartmoor. I wish you to be as strong as Denys described you in the message he sent me on Jan. 1. Warm regards, Marie-Françoise

- Marie-Françoise André

I'll never forget meeting Denys at the first Manchester International Conference on Geomorphology.. He really encouraged me to start publishing in English my results on Nepal, Denys was almost a mentor to me, I will never forget it. He was an exceptional person, and I would like to express my condolences to Elizabeth and her family. Denys's passing away is a great loss for all Geomorphologists.

- Monique Fort, Pr. Emeritus (University Paris City),France

A note to say how sad I and so many others associated with the Jurassic Coast Trust are to learn of Denys's recent death. He was not only an inspiration to so many people but was the architect of the successful application for the Coast's World Heritage status for which he will always be remembered., along with for his humor and love of cider!! With much sadness, Jeremy Pope

- Jeremy Pope

Denys was always a large presence in any room! A passionate academic and the driving force behind the Jurassic Coast World Heritage bid, back when he was chairman of the Dorset Coast Forum. He will be greatly missed but leaves countless memories to all that had the fortune of knowing him..

- Medea Gravelle

Denys was such an inspiration to us all and he leaves a very large hole. He taught me everything I know about landslides, which is far from everything. I miss him already.

- Richard Edmonds

I remeber Denys as the driving force in helping to achieve WH Status for the Dorset and E.Devon coast back in the late 1990's. He had such a clear vision of the Geological significance of the coast and such a deep love for it. It was his inspiration and now, his legacy. Tony Flux

- Tony Flux

Elizabeth, so sorry to hear of Den's passing & my thoughts are with you. He was a larger than life figure who featured strongly throughout my time with the Jurassic Coast. He was always game for a 'robust chat' & he would normally say what everyone was thinking but didn't want to say! He also showed great kindness, capacity for fun, and talent for art, & I will remember him most for these things.

- Sam (Rose)

On behalf of the University of Plymouth our condolences to all of Denys's family and friends and thanks for his legacy in terms of science, education and of course the Jurassic Coast. Such an amazing life and contribution.

- Professor Judith Petts CBE, Vice-Chancellor

On behalf of the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Plymouth, our deepest condolences. We are very sorry indeed to hear the news.

- Jon Shaw, Head of School.

Sincere greetings from Malcolm Hart. I knew Denys for many years in the Dorset Coast Forum and the development of the World Heritage Site. It was always a pleasure to meet and work with him. My son, also a landslide geomorphologist (Dr Andrew Hart) was also known to Denys. I may try to get to the funeral but, if not, my thoughts are with you as are those at Plymouth University.

- Malcolm Barrie Hart

RIP Denys. We worked almost 20 years ago with Trevor Evans on some of BP’s large underwater landslides. You were always an excellent and knowledgeable colleague who was also genial and very pleasant person to work with. I’ve often seen your name since in connection with the Jurassic Coast, even in Simon Winchester’s book on Smith’s famous map.

- Prof Richard Jardine (Geomechanics, Imperial College London)

Dear Elizabeth and family, On behalf of King’s College London Geography Department, I’d like to convey our deepest condolences for your loss. Although I wasn’t fortunate enough to meet Denys myself, there are many colleagues and alumni who can attest to the great contribution – combining passion for his subject and kindness as a person – he made to the department and the wider discipline.

- Professor Kate Schreckenberg (Head of Geography Department, KCL)

Dear Elizabeth I was very saddened to hear of Deny’s passing. I was fortunate to have him as a colleague at King’s and I have particularly fond memories of our field trips to Spain with John Thornes. Apart from the major contribution Denys made to academia, his zest for life greatly enriched the life of all those who knew him.

- Linda Newson

Denys was a brilliant teacher and a wonderfully warm and supportive colleague. He was one of the most naturally gifted lecturers I have ever had the privilege to hear. His field trips were legendary and his sheer enthusiasm and curiousity about the natural landscape were infectious. He was truly one of the King's Geography Department's all time greats. We'll all miss him.

- David Green

May Denys rest in peace, now that he has reached the peneplain of planation proceesses. I thank him for weeks of enjoyable field work in Spain and the Jurassic coastline of Doeset, and making my time at King's more enjyable.

- John I Pitman

So sorry to hear of the loss of Denys. He was known to me as a student, postgraduate and academic member of staff. I have fond a fond memory of a trip to Dorset with him. A great King's man. Dick Polglaze Chief Technician ( Retired ) Geography Dept.

- Dick Polglaze

Dear Elizabeth and family, We at King's Geography have very fond memories of Denys. It has been my privilege to have worked alongside him in the 1990s. He contributed greatly to education and research in geomorphology and more broadly to UK heritage throughout his career.. We will miss him. With sincere condolences, Mark Mulligan

- Mark Mulligan

Denys was one f the true greats of geomorphology. His work ranged from the theoretical to the applied, and has stood the test of time. His pioneering use of geomorphology to understand the operation of landscapes, allowing better decisions to be made in engineering design, is used around the world. And, of course, his role in the creation of the Jurassic Coast, has left a lasting societal legacy.

- Dave Petley

Denys inspired me about landscape evolution and geomorphology. He was a wonderful lecturer in the classroom and a fine observer in the field. I am truly grateful to Denys for his encouragement and stimulation. His Tablets of Stone will continue. Professor Julian Murton (King's 1984-88)

- Julian Murton

Dear ELizaeth, my undergrad contact with Denys has resonated through my career. Denys once told me, on Golden Cap itself,, about the importance of your support for his passionate and productive life , With gratitude, fond memories, and my heartfelt condolences.

- Mark Ruse (Kings 1987-91).

Deepest condolences. I was so fortunate to have Denys as my tutor when I read Geography at KCL 1986-89. He was auch a great character who gave fascinating lectures and encouraged his students to think 'outside of the box'. This morning I was visiting the Durlston Park when a volunteer called Ali informed me that Denys had given so much time so help them achieve World Heritage status.

- Dawn Hadlow nee Bradley

Dear Elizabeth and Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Denys was a huge inspiration to me, first when I was an A Level Geography student and then later through my work at the Jurassic Coast. He spoke with such passion and joy about Geography, even when I went to see him at Poole Hospital in December. A great man who did so much, I will miss him dreadfully. Lots of love to you all, Anjana xx

- Anjana Khatwa

So sorry for the loss of Denys. He was an inspiration to me when I started at Kings Geography and led such a full life.

- Nick Drake

Denys’ work was instrumental in shaping my career, and to this day I use his Tablets of Stone paper to introduce new undergraduate students to the joys of researching the Earth System. A titan of geomorphology, sadly missed.

- Simon Carr

Dear Elizabeth We were so sorry to learn of Denys's death. Please accept our deepest sympathy Tim & Elizabeth Burt

- Tim Burt

Spending time with Denys was always a pleasure, always fun and always stimulating. A true gentleman and scholar. My condolences to his family and friends.

- Prof Jeff Warburton (Durham University)

So sorry to hear about Denys. We had lunch in September when he was his usual ebulliant self. He will bevery much missed as ageomorphologist of international standing contributing to so many fields.

- Brian Whalley

Sad news. I recall talking with Denys at the first EGU attended by around 200 people. He always had time for younger academics.

- Paul . A. Carling

Denys was a truly ebullient leader who, through his research, his teaching and his involvement in learned societies, ensured the successful growth of geomorphology within the wider disciplines of geography and geology. We can remember him with gratitude as a founding father.

- Ian Reid

Denys my mentor and fellow traveler, waiting in airport lounge Sabah. May your final flight be smooth.

- Mike Crozier

I'll never forget those times in Italy, Taiwan and Dorset. You are already greatly missed. Elizabeth, my condolences.

- Eddie Bromhead

An outstanding friend and wonderful enthusiastic colleague, always so full of drive and energy. Not only did he drive the generation of International Geomorphology, he left the world the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

- Ian Douglas

Deepest condolences to Denys' family and friends. His passing is a great loss to the Geomorphological community.

- Andy Russell (Newcastle University)

Denys welcomed a complete unknown to the Free University of Chideock; Elizabeth - you egged him on to exercise his new hip up to the cliff; he had me crawl to the edge of one of his great landslips, then a hearty pub lunch and a session in his den; hearing his Submarine Geomorphology hour at IAG Paris 2013 was a lifetime great - not least his gleeful nod to his hosts with 'La Manche Anglaise'

- david jarman -mountain landform research- Scotland

Dear Elizabeth, I am so very sorry to of Denys's passing. It was a great pleasure and honour to have spent time with Den in the field. Also grateful for his insight and input in to the various projects where we worked together. One of the great characters, he will be sorely missed. With kindest regards and many condolences. Dr. Alan Clark

- Dr. Alan Clark

Having fun trial pitting on the Spittles, Lyme Regis.

- Alan Clark

Dear Elizabeth I was so saddened to hear the news about Denys. He was an inspirational teacher and great fun to be around. It was amazing working with Denys at Lyme Regis where he exuded his passion and love for his subject. I will always remember him wading into water testing tanks, moving rocks around to optimise the groynes protecting the town. Also not forgetting his cider making skills!

- Stephen Fort

An absolute pleasure and inspiration to work with Denys, he was a unique character who will remain in our hearts. Sincere condolences Maggie Sellwood

- Maggie Sellwood

Much respected and sadly missed

- BRIAN MARKER

Dear Elizabeth, It was particularly during fieldwork that I learnt much from Denys - I valued greatly his kind friendship, teaching style and vast experience. On more than one occasion he set me straight when I was lost in a complicated landscape. I feel very fortunate to have known and worked with Denys, and I send you my codolences on his passing.

- David Shilston

What a shame - the world is a sadder and much emptier place. I recall with joy our trip to Taiwan to look at the sites all over the place, with Prof JJ Hung, and later, when he consulted to Halcrow in Hong Kong and produced his sketch of how he saw things about the landslides we were examining - enlightening, to put it mildly. Condolences Elizabeth.

- Steve Hencher

Denys, thank you so much for the times when you have been more than willing to sit down and share your knowledge and wisdom with me when working on projects along the Jurassic Coast, most recently this past autumn when we had a good couple of hours talking all things Chesil Beach. You will be missed and my thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time. Alan

- Alan Frampton (BCP Council)

Dear Elizabeth & Family - our thoughts are with you all for the loss of Denys, a true 'one of a kind'. We so enjoyed working with him, learning from him and laughing through his wonderful stories of life, the universe and everything. Thank you for giving us the pleasure of his time - we will miss him deeply.

- Andy Mills, Tom Gray and David Rushton (East Point Geo)

You taught us a lot, Denys. We will miss you.

- Bruce Denness

Denys made a significant impact on my early career, teaching me to look at the world at the landscape scale and reminding me to always look for the pattern. He enthusiastically supported the field trips we ran to Dorset and Spain and was always delighted to have the opportunity to show us the world as he saw it. They were fun. There was a lot of laughter and happy memories made; thank you.

- Paul Fish (Halcrow/Jacobs Geomorphology team)

Isle of Wight Halcrow field training course, June 2010, with Denys sporting his famous New Zealand hat.

- Paul Fish

Dear Elizabeth and Family. I am sorry to hear of your loss. Denys was a highly respected and inspirational figure in my career. His enthusiasm and energy for geomorphology still lives with me today (several decades after our last meeting). I have fond memories of working with Denys as part of the Halcrow team and the field trips to Dorset and Spain. Please accept my sincere condolences.

- Jenny Moss (Perth, Australia)

Dear Elizabeth and Family, I was sadened to hear of Denys's Passing. He was such at large part of my early career at Halcrow, with the BP work in the GAT room, and the many field trips. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

- Emma Lewin (Former Haclrow/CH2M, Jacobs Geomorphology Team)

Dear Elizabeth and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Denys was an incredible teacher and highly respected professional expert. I am very grateful that I have had the opportunity to benefit from his teaching and support during my career. I am left with many happy memories from our time in the field. He always made it a lot of fun.

- Jon Carey (University of Birmingham)

End of an intense day's field training, Sorbas, Spain

- Halcrow Geomorphology Team

Denys simply made our lives richer. So many happy memories!

- Geoff Davis

Elizabeth, sending my best wishes to you and the family at this time. All the time spent with Denys was a pleasure and inspiration. I have lots of wonderful memories. Rich Johnson

- Rich Johnson

Sincere condolences to Elizabeth and family. In spring 1975 I went to Kings to get a briefing from Denys on the Himalayan road . He was marvellous and gave me most of his day. That was just the start of years of work on Welsh Valleys, deserts and mountains various, and deep water deltafronts. He focussed on the big picture and got to the core of problems. Always a joy to work with.

- Mike Sweeney

So sorry to learn that you are no longer with us Denys. You were a true gentleman, great raconteur and a good friend. Your professional expertise was beyond compare and I will be eternally grateful for the help you gave me at a challenging time in my career.. Safe journey old friend.

- Trevor Evans

A 'Brunsden Classic' - Mapping of the Subsea Storegga Landslide, one of Earth's largest, at NorskHydro (Statoil), Oslo

- Halcrow and BP

RIP Denys! I first met Denys at a Review in Norway for Ormen Lange c2000. His enthusiasm for his subject was immediately infectious. Thereafter he was a major part of BP Geohazards work for our offshore projects for twenty years. It was always a pleasure to see him and hear what he had to say! A life lived to the full - he will be very much missed!

- Andy W. Hill BP Geohazards Technical Authority

Dear Elisabeth and family, Very sorry to hear of your loss. Although many years since we met with Denys on a field trip along the Jurassic Coast and climbing the unstable slopes of the coastline I still remember this event as if it was yesterday. He was very present and made a lasting impression on us (Statoil & BP geo'techs) with his knowledge, experience, humour and comments.

- Tor Inge Tjelta

While many years ago, working with Denys provided inspiration that has followed me through my work during subsequent years and will also do so in the future

- Carl Fredrik Forsberg

Thanks for always being 11/10 Dear, dear Denys, RIP

- Bryn Austin

What a man, and what a legacy. There are so many who have benefitted both directly and indirectly from Denys' research, advice and wisdom. And in equal measure from his sense of humour, lust for life and passion for geomorphology. I had the pleasure of working with Denys on the Geohazard Assessment Team and he graciously hosted us for fieldwork, to enjoy the Dorset countryside and some cider!

- Mike Clare

UK South Coast Landslides Tour, Black Ven, at his best and beloved site with a group of international geologists and engineers

- BP

My thoughts and condolences go out to Elizabeth and family, lots of love, Gayle

- Gayle Hough, BP and former Halcrow/CH2M geo-team member

Dear Elizabeth and family, I was so sorry to hear about Denys' passing. I remember fondly my visit to your house to receive Denys' advice on my MSc dissertation and the wonderful lunch you also provided for me. I was so grateful for his time, advice and your hospitality, Please accept my sincere condolences, he truly was an inspiration to me and many others.

- Alex Bellis (CH2M/Jacobs Geomorphology Team)

Dear Elizabeth and family, sorry to hear of your loss. Denys was an inspiration to me during my MSc and throughout my career. I have fond memories of listening to him talk about the Jurassic coast and passing his wisdom onto students and Jacobs staff. Please accept my sincere condolences.

- Ross Fitzgerald

MSc Field Mapping, Spittles, Lyme Regis

- University of Sussex

Denys was introduced to me as the Godfather of Geomorphology on our field trip to the Jurassic Coast during my masters degree, and rightly so! He has been an inspiration for me and so many other geomorphologists today and I feel very privileged to have been taught by him. His memory will live on. My condolences to you and your family.

- Claire Czarnomski (CH2M/Jacobs)

I am so sorry to learn of this loss. Denys always had patience and kindness for those in the early stages of their career, and to have had the chance to learn from him was a privilege. He will be missed. Ollie Dabson, former CH2M/Jacobs Geomorphology team member

- Ollie Dabson

Rest in Peace Prof Brunsden, your papers and lectures helped me fall in love with engineering geomorphology.

- Dr Ikenna Osumgborogwu

Go'dagen meaning 'Good Day', Trondheim, visiting the Norwegian Geological Survey