My friend and former colleague David Hopkinson, who died at the age of 89, was the director of the Human Biochemical Genetics Unit of the Medical Research Council at the University of London University from 1976 until its closure in 2000.
Hoppy, as he was internationally known, joined the unity in its beginning in 1962 because it was in a previous position, more young, was one of the first medical scientists to describe molecular differences in human enzymes, a long time before the differences of DNA sequence.
The unit has been created to research the extent and importance of genetic variation in human health. As its president, Hoppy expanded its focus on genetic maps and pathological genetics with the transition to the new science of genes and DNA sequence.
He was born in Chesterfield, Derbeshire, to Albert Hopkinson, Foreman for Iron and Steel, and Lilian (Ni Sidal), a tailor, went to the Chesterfield school, which strengthened his early interest in organic chemistry. After completing the degree of natural sciences at the University of Cambridge, he qualified in medicine at London Hospital in 1959, and worked there until he joined the human chemical genetics unit after three years.
Hoppy was recruited by its opening president, Professor Harry Harris, to become his right leg responsible for many innovative experimental methods of unit, including developing new ways to detect enzyme and electricity.
In 1965, the unit moved from its initial base at King’s College College to UCL, where I joined the unit three years after studying to obtain a doctorate during the Harris era. Hobby remained there for the rest of his career. He was widely published and played an important role in teaching and supervision, as he became a full professor of the University of London in 1990. Twenty -five years after his retirement, his role is remembered as a guideline with great warmth by his former employees and students.
Hobby is widely read and appreciated by drama and music. A practical man who is happy with manual work, was a prominent gardener and is happy to spread growing plants and vegetables. He also enjoyed walking in the Swiss Alps, and was the monitoring of severe birds.
In retirement, he studied architecture and German, and obtained a first degree in geology at the Open University. He also spent many years as a volunteer in the advice of CHILRNS in Chesham, Buckinghamshire.
He survived his second wife, Professor IV Edwards, and three children, Paul, Susan and Ian, from his first marriage, to Josephine (Ni Manz), who ended in divorce and four grandchildren.
