Tribute to Christopher Chatwin, 1950 - 2026

Great career Chris, The 1967 intake are all proud of what you have achieved starting at TheAustin

Rest in Peace Chris. Great to have spent time with you.

Professor Chatwin guided ans cared for his students, including me and many others, throughout his life. His glory shines, and wisdom will flow through generations. Never tired, never give up, wild and strategic. I once asked, and Professor Chatwin told me “rest&sleep can happen why someone past”. I bless in my heart that my dearest professor, mentor, and ‘academic father’ is now having a joyful sleep and rest. God bless the family.

Chris was a kind and inspiring colleague, with great integrity

Farewell neighbour. With love Nicole & Graham, Emma & Ben

A principled friend who helped and supported others in many ways.

We will miss you and Fei now you both together painting and cuddling and telling off by Fei again. Until we all join you You are in our heart and soul. You are amazing father and husband and grand father and proffeser for all of us. We all love you so much.

To my very dear friend Chris, rest in peace. I will always remember you.

Chris was a truly great human being with an extraordinary mind, remarkable fortitude, and a deep guiding sense of justice. His strength, kindness, and unwavering principles will live on as a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew him.

I have very fond memories of meeting Chris for the first time when I joined Sussex, and of the many engaging conversations we shared. He was passionate about engineering, research, and his students, with a wide-ranging intellect that was truly astonishing—a true Renaissance man. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, dear Chris. You will be greatly missed by all your colleagues.

One of the good guys, very sorry to hear of his passing

To an incredibly inspiring and kind dad. We love you so much. xxxxxxxXxxxxxxx

To a dear colleague and friend

Chris was one of a kind - he truly was the most principled person I've ever known. Chris always did the right thing - even if it was to his own detriment. You don't get to meet people like that very often. Chris will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him: he was a rare combination of a brilliant academic, a true friend, and an extremely modest, and down to earth person. Rest in peace, dear Chris. Your memory will live on in all of us. Your acts of kindness will be remembered forever. I'm very fortunate to have known you. Much love, Feras Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing. And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb. Kahlil Gibran

Rest in peace, inspirational mentor

I am so grateful to you for your union work – it was invaluable – and you always made me laugh, too! Which is no mean feat considering the sorts of things we were talking about in our union meetings. Sending lots of love to your family.

From everyone at Sussex UCU: our thoughts are with Chris' family, and we are so sorry for your loss. Our cherished colleague Chris Chatwin was a dedicated union officer, committed to the ideals of social justice and played a crucial role in keeping the strength of Sussex UCU Branch at hard times. From early morning freezing picket shifts to one to one conversations, he was with us whenever we needed him. He liked challenging and being challenged as well in the good spirit of democratic debate. He was so modest in his achievements that many of us did not know his important academic contributions until we asked about it.  Chris cheered people up when the morale was low and we ll remember him with his red scarf, his lovely dog, his generous smile. He enjoyed seeing the union branch thrive with new people coming in and taking responsibilities and encouraged young generations for the collective struggle. He is a huge loss for our community and we wish strength to his family and all his loved ones.  Rest in peace, Chris. We love you and we ll think of you next time we celebrate a new win in which you will have played a part.   UCU Sussex