Professor Desmond John Eve

Professor Desmond Eve, who died on the morning of the 28 April 2014 in Grahamstown, has been lionised by hundreds of people, from former students to colleagues, friends and family. A professor in the Pharmacy department at Rhodes, Eve was described as a lover of life, a traveller and a family man.

“My father loved chemistry, the outdoors, places, people, reading, sport, his family and, above all, his Creator,” said Beatrice Lake, Eve’s daughter, at a memorial held for him at Rhodes. “There could have been no better mentor. I count myself fortunate to have studied and worked with him,” Charlie Harding, Eve’s former student and colleague, said.

Eve came to Rhodes University in 1951 to finish his BSc, Honours and Ph.D. in chemistry. In 1952 he met Jeanette; they married in 1957. In 1959 he started teaching the University College of Rhodesia and Nyasaland; he played a key role in establishing the new Chemistry Department. Eve’s three children, Robin, Beatrice and Catherine, were born while he was in Rhodesia. He’s been described as someone who loved working for his campus community in development projects.

Eve was also devoted to his religion, Christianity, and was a member of the Cathedral of St Mary and all saints’ Church Council for many years. Eve returned to Grahamstown in 1979 and later became President of the Old Rhodian Union. He also continued working at the Chemistry Department.

Adrian Eve, a former school friend, student and colleague said, “I am convinced that he passed straight to Heaven without any delays”

-Sithembiso Kos

Last Modified: Mon, 08 Aug 2016 14:57:36 SAST