It is with great sadness that we pass on the news of the recent passing of Professor David Anstee, Director of the Bristol Institute of Transfusion Sciences.
For over 50 years David was an internationally recognised immunohaematologist with the UK’s NHSBT. His interests spanned transfusion sciences, biochemistry, cellular biology, genetics, genomics, elucidation of the structure and function of cell surface proteins. I am sure many members of the Society will be familiar with David either through his research work or being taught or mentored as students. As well as being a widely published researcher he was also co-author of the major textbooks “Mollison’s Blood transfusion in clinical medicine” with Harvey Klein and “Applied blood group serology” with Peter Issitt. The Society was fortunate to have David talk at the HAA 2011 meeting in Sydney.
Although a brilliant scientist and teacher, David was also said to be very humble and unassuming with a wicked sense of humour. He was acknowledged for his willingness to support and encourage others and share his vast knowledge. He will be missed by his many friends, colleagues and collaborators around the world.
Our thoughts and our condolences go out to David’s family.
If you would like to post your thoughts and memories of David, a tribute page has been established: https://davidanstee.muchloved.com/
Simon Benson
ANZSBT President