Tribute to Ronald Brown, 1935 - 2024

I am sorry to hear of the passing of Ronnie, who taught me at Bangor University between 1998 and 2002.  I still remember going to the mathematics masterclasses at Bangor University when I was 14, and attending Ronnie's presentation. There he was, in front of an overhead projector, every inch the image of a college professor. I cannot remember the content of the lecture, but I do remember thinking there was more to mathematics than what was being taught at school. Fast forward four years later and I was studying maths at Bangor University, having the pleasure of attending several courses taught by Ronnie.I will always remember the affection he had towards the subject - leading us down many interesting paths - and am thankful for the support I received when I was studying for my doctorate in later years at Bangor. He will be sadly missed, but will be remembered by all who were fortunate to be students at Bangor over many years.

Dear Ronnie, I am one of many who will always remember your mathematics, your kindness, and your friendship, and who will greatly miss you. Among other things, you created a new mathematics between category theory and topology, with groupoids and higher groupoids playing a special role in it, which is certainly appreciated but not yet fully understood…I remember all your kind invitations to Bangor, and I am very glad we published four joint papers. I am very glad Maria Manuel Clementino, Marino Gran, Timothy Porter and I edited a special volume of JHRS dedicated to you for your 80th birthday.  George Janelidze.