Russell Savage, a research technician at the University’s Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease sadly passed away last week at the age of 56. Russell first joined the University at 16, and worked here ever since.
Russell was a unique figure, who served the University in many roles. He worked as a technician on male fertility problems before becoming a mortuary assistant in the former Department of Human Anatomy.
Russell later worked as technician supporting the then Dean of the Medical School, Professor Bernard Wood, before finally finding his true metier in the Gait Lab group, where he obtained a part time Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computer Science and rapidly became a MATLAB guru and gait analysis expert – a role he made his own.
As Research Officer, he was responsible for all experimentation, data preparation and data analysis and acquired an impressive list of publications. He drove all development and expansion of the Gait Lab, from the Sherrington Buildings, a remodelled and considerably larger lab in the Duncan Building, and finally the start of the art, purpose designed and built Gait Lab in the Apex Building.
Professor Robin Compton, Head of the Gait Group in the Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease paid tribute to Russell: “His skills and experience can never be replaced. As a colleague to staff in many different groups in the University over 40 years Russ made many good friends who will always remember him with love and affection.”
The funeral will take place at 12pm on Tuesday, 7 June, in the centre chapel at Landican Cemetery and Crematorium, Arrowe Park Rd, Woodchurch, Wirral CH49 5LW.
The funeral will be a humanist ceremony, led by Bill Dawson. If anyone wishes to send flowers please have these delivered direct to the funeral directors, Kenna and Turner, 31 Rowson Street, Wallasey, Wirral, CH45 5AR.
During his life Russ was a keen supporter of the Woodland Trust. Please visit: http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/donate/ if you wish to make a donation.