Remembering Simon Leather

I’ve been lazy with blogging for probably 3 years now. But when I first started, Simon Leather was one of the people who motivated and inspired me. His blog was brilliant science communication – accessible, bite-sized, well-researched and visually appealing. He meandered us through everything from reviews of that year’s Verrall Supper, through classic entomological literature, experiments he never got around to publishing, tools of the trade…and the occasional strong opinion piece! The writing was always quirky, charming and engaging, and usually witty and entertaining to boot.

I did not know Simon well, but we crossed paths at Verralls and conferences several times. Once or twice I shot him an e-mail asking for his advice on matters entomological – and he was unfailingly helpful and generous with his time and enormous knowledge.

He was certainly ahead of the curve in using social media as a networking tool and his talks about it gave many of us pause for thought when we were still reluctant. His regular blog posts continued through his illness – which he discussed frankly, along with the challenges of undergoing treatment during a global pandemic. His morning walk photos, as the seasons changed, were something many enjoyed.

It’s hard to express fully how many entomological lives Simon touched. The fact that “Sleatherites” (i.e. former graduates of MSc Entomology and mentees of Simon Leather) was a term I heard used in conversation a few times perhaps hints at it.

Despite the health challenges he faced (with equanimity) over the last couple of years, his passing still took me by surprise – with someone so fundamental in UK entomology, it’s hard to imagine the scientific community without him in it. I hope his work and inspiration is recognised for future entomologists, in some fitting way of which he would have approved.