Prof. Brian Leonard

I was so saddened to hear about Brian's passing and, my thoughts are with his family. The discussions we had over the last 35 years had a profound affect on my thinking. He was never to busy to talk things over. Such a wonderful person who will be sorely missed

I have just recently heard of Prof's passing. Sincere condolences to Helga, Ingrid, Heide and family. Whilst having moved away from pharmacology/pharmaceutical research in 2001, with contact then significantly diminishing, I always remember Brian as a polymath with a great interest in everything, and what a dynamo. Most of all I remember a humanitarian with a strong desire for social justice at home and abroad. I will be forever grateful that he accepted a student activist as a PhD student! Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís.

Sincere condolences to Prof. Leonard's family. My mother Cai was his student and I am his grand-student by association, and have learned a lot from him. Prof. Leonard helped to instill in me a love of reading and knowledge (not to mention dogs!), and whenever someone mentions the term "Renaissance man," Prof. Leonard comes to mind. I remember being astounded at his collection of butterflies, the sumptuous garden, and his home full of books. I stayed at his and Helga's home as a twelve-year old, and read most of the books they had gotten for Ingrid and Heide when they were girls. That summer, I had just read the Lord of the Rings a friend had leant to me, and must have rambled about it to Prof. Leonard. When he sent me to the bus back to Dublin, he gifted me the trilogy.

We will always think of Prof. Leonard when we think of Ireland and vice versa. He would send my mother and I books in recent Irish literature. A few years ago, I visited Ireland as an adult. We had a good discussion regarding socialism, and he also showed me sites in Galway and explained histories that I didn't understand as a child.

As we turned a corner, he pointed at a teenager and asked me, "Tell me, why do young people feel the need to wear ripped jeans?" My explanation that young people are trying to find individuality did not convince him, but I will always remember his half indignant, half good humoured expression as we continued walking.

I only recently heard the sad news of Prof Leonard’s passing. I first met the Prof when he offered me a PhD position in Galway. Those years in Galway (1991-1994), shared with many who have left messages below, were fantastic and I shall be eternally grateful to Prof Leonard for that opportunity.

He was a great mentor, kind and with a brilliant sense of humour that made his lab a great place to work.

Sincere condolences to Helga, Heidi and Ingrid on your sad loss.

He certainly left the world in a better place than he found it.

May he RIP.

Sincere Condolences to Helga, Heidi and Ingrid on the sad loss of Prof Leonard, an inspirational teacher for so many medical students. In my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Dear colleagues, friends and relatives of Professor Brian Leonard,

We join you all in our condolences. This is a huge loss for international science.

Professor Leonard will forever remain in our memory as an outstanding scientist, researcher, public figure, organizer, great friend of the team of Mental Health Research Institute and our city of Tomsk.

We are all together in our thoughts.

We remember, we mourn...

Nikolay Bokhan, MD, Professor
Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Director of Mental Health Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center
Head of Department of Psychiatry, Narcology and Psychotherapy of Siberian State Medical University
Vice-President of the Russian Society of Psychiatrists
President of the International Association of Ethnopsychologists and Ethnopsychotherapists

Tomsk, Russia

My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Prof Leonard. I was one of the lucky ones who benefitted from his guidance, knowledge, humour and love of neuroscience when I was a PhD student in his group in Galway in the 1990s. He has shaped my career and the careers of so many in Ireland and around the world. His legacy lives on. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Brian was a lovely man. He will be missed by many. I remember his time in Nottingham and the humorous exchanges between him and my husband, Alan. We joined campaigns for a better world and I will miss Brian’s Christmas messages updating me on political issues and urging me to fight the good fight. Brian always did his best to make life better for people. I send my love and condolences to Helga and their daughters.

Professor Brian Leonard, a kind gentleman who was easy to approach and always willing to help, I knew him for 43 years during my service at NUIG. I will always cherish the memories of our interactions and the unwavering support he provided me unconditionally. I pray for the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit to be with his family during this difficult time. May Professor Leonard's soul rest in peace.

My deepest sympathies to you all on the loss of Brian. I first met Brian when my late husband Roger was a fellow student of his at Birmingham University. He will always be remembered for his warmth, great humour and uniqueness. Very evident even then in those student days!
Agnes Hubscher has also asked me to pass on her deep sympathies.
We are both thinking of you and your great loss.

Deepest condolences to the Leonard family on the passing of Professor Leonard

Brian was more than just a mentor, he was one of those incredible human beings possessed with compassion, sympathy, a terrific sense of humour, and immense grace. He was like a father to me and I grieve for a world now lacking his wit and wisdom. My sincerest sympathies to his wonderful wife Helga and to Ingrid and Heide.

I met and talked to him several times in Turkish Association of Psychopharmacology meetings. He was such a noble soul, charming and always so kind and generous. May his soul rest in peace.

Dear Helga, Ingrid and Heide,

What a shock to read about Brian's passing. First of all, please accept my sincere condolences and let me wish you lots of strength in the coming period.
Brian was not only a stimulating mentor in my early scientific carreer, but first and foremost a dear friend. I will dearly miss his enthousiasm when discussing science, and his strong positions on matters of life and politics.
My visit to Tullykyne not so long ago at the end of August, together with Anke, talking to Brian, walking in the bog with Dillan and with a regular quip about Irish and European politics, was as pleasant and amusing as always.

I have known Brian for almost 50 years, beginning with my internship at Organon as a chemistry student in the mid 1970's, with an intermezzo of 20 years and reconnecting again in the mid 1990's because of his visiting professorship at the Maastricht University. During his visits to Maastricht in the past 25 years we regularly met and joked and laughed about old Organon memories. But our visits to Tullykyne with Nicole and young Loek and Anke were highlights in those 25 years, which I will not easily forget.

His scientific achievements will have a continuing impact on the work of others all over the world. He was a real missionary in helping young scientists by sharing his vast knowledge in the field of neurofarmacology and neuroimmunology. He will be missed a lot.

Helga, Ingrid and Heide, stay strong.
Frans

My deepest condolences to the Leonard family on the passing of Brian. I met Brian at the BAP meeting 20 years ago. He has always been there, supporting my career in science. He was always available to answer any questions and to offer support. His passion, kindness, and positivity will be greatly missed.

I don't know how many academician will have the chance to meet in his/her entire life, whom he finds ideal with both their human values and scientific approach. I was very lucky. Because even though we were in distant places, I had the opportunity to know someone with whom I could work as if he were close to me at all times. Brian Leonard was able to offer his experience with an extraordinary humility, without hesitation and endlessly, whenever it was needed. He was my idol. I will undoubtedly always remember him as long as I live. I wish patience and condolences to his precious family. Rest in peace Brian

To Helga, Ingrid and Heidi - you are in our thoughts at this very sad time. Brian was a great friend of Turlough & Maeve - and I've fond memories of his inspirational teaching of Pharmacology & Toxicology (as part of MSc in Biotech), in the Green hut next to Anatomy in the early 80s. Crossed paths many times since in Tullykyne and when he was walking the dogs at Knockferry pier. Post-'retirement', the Galway Neuroscience Centre Community frequently experienced his sharp intellect when he attended seminars hosted by the GNC. There was always a challenging and thought-provoking question from Brian! Gone but not forgotten. Una FitzG.

Rest in peace.

Deepest sympathies to all of Prof Leonard’s family on his death. I have fond memories of developing a great interest in psychopharmacology under his expert tutelage in the 1980s, while a medical student in UCG. I still have his textbook which is carefully annotated & I credit him with drawing me to a career in the specialty of Psychiatry. An inspiring figure, especially to young people. May he Rest in Peace.

I remember the Prof as a great teacher who inspired and helped me to go into university teaching in the UK. I knew him and his family beyond my UCG years so l also got to know the man. He was always welcoming and funny and a little mischievous and eccentric. He was dedicated to his family and garden. I remember going on walks around the lake near the house and seeing the beauty of the place that was his home. I loved helping out in his vegetable garden, although l'm not sure l was really of much use there! A great great man.

Brian was the editor of our highly respected book series Modern Trends in Psychiatry for many years. He used his post to bring some important topics to light that were not receiving the attention they deserved. He worked incredibly hard to highlight the importance of the gut-brain axis years before this became mainstream. Brian has the deepest gratitude of the Karger family, the team here, and all of his readers.

On a personal note, I met Brian on several occasions, and he quickly became one of my favorite people. His energy and charisma were extraordinary. I remember having to explain to my wife that I came home drunk because a then-80(something)-year-old had drunk me under the table! I never visited Ireland after meeting Brian, but I always kept his invitation to come and see him in Galway close to my heart, and I'm truly sorry it never materialized.

I wish all of his family and loved ones the deepest condolences. The world is a poorer place without him.

I have so many precious memories to cherish - happy times spent in the company of Brian and Helga with my late Father, Jim. So many nice walks with him and the dogs in Collinamuck, Portara and Curra.
Those of us who were fortunate enough to live in Currawatier/Tullokyne can count ourselves so lucky to have known him and counted him as our friend and neighbour. He would go out of his way to help everyone and always had a friendly greeting.
We witnessed the tremendous energy and campaigning skills he displayed when the school was at risk of closing. Although his role at the University involved so much travel, he still made time to chair meetings and help with fundraising. It is thanks to his commitment and relentless hard work that the school is thriving today.
Brian touched so many lives across all the continents. He had a presence that would light up a room when he walked in. He had a wonderful zest for life. He will be sorely missed.
Deepest sympathy and my love to Helga,Ingrid & Heide.
Judy Walsh (Currawatier & London)

Probably the most powerful character I ever met, I was also privileged to call Brian Leonard a most inspiring and memorable friend. We met when he set up the Irish Neuroscience Group in 1983 which was inspired, nurtured and enlivened by him. Anne and I will always remember the very generous hospitality shown to us by Brian and Helga on our numerous visits to Galway over those years.

His enthusiasm, energy and wit are legendary. On one occasion as we were retiring after a very jovial and late dinner in our home in Dunmurry, I joked about first checking his slides for the invited lecture he was to give for us the following morning. Suddenly he realised he had forgotten them! He didn’t bat an eyelid, jumped into his car and drove back to Galway to get them, arriving back with us at 8.00 am (normally a round trip of 10 hours but managed in 8 because of the lack of traffic) and, after a few stiff coffees, was on the podium at 9.00 am sharp, bright as a button, and making huge “mileage” about having just lived through every speaker’s nightmare!

He was a polymath and thinker on every subject. Never hiding his Marxism, it was the only subject I ever knew that he would not tolerate being joked about. He will be missed world-wide and I join with all those expressing their deepest sympathy to Helga and his loving family.

David J. King, Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Queen’s University of Belfast.

When I got together with my husband Sam Walden I didn't realise that I was about to acquire some amazing new family members, and I feel so lucky to have been able to call Brian 'Grandad' for the last 15 years.

Brian was such a generous, supportive, positive man, it was always a joy to spend time with him. Brian and Helga's hospitality is legendary and I wrote two of my books in the little guest house ('the barn') where Brian did much of his own work. Evenings would be spent eating large meals (with home-grown veg), discussing the latest political situation, playing games and laughing!

When Sam and I were married Brian considered it inconceivable that there was no 'Speech by the Groom's Grandad', so of course we included one!

I am glad his Great Grandchildren Ottilie and Lewin will remember him, and many of his best qualities are alive and well in Sam, who is very much like Brian in looks and character.

Brian/Grandad, we will remember you always, with a smile!
love Kiri

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Brian. Brian's energy, flair, knowledge and humour inspired generations of students, scholars and clinicians. He was an academic jewel, with a great, spontaneaous capacity to interact openly and positively with people of all ages, backgrounds and educational levels and life phases. He built academic connections and networks which continue to thrive.
This wonderful man cannot be praised enough for his kindness, openness, positivity and superb achievements.
Brian and I met approximately 20 years (during my last year of my PhD project), and we have been in contact since. He has been an academic inspirator for me and many others.
As frequently visiting professor to our department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology and research institute Mental Health and Neuroscience at Maastricht University, Brian has inflammed many bachelor, master and PhD students and scholars with his academic thrive here in Maastricht and beyond, e.g. through his activities with the European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON).
Sincere condolances and sympathy to Helga and all of Brian's loved ones.

My sincere condolences to the loved ones and relatives of Prof. Brian Leonard. Relative to the many contacts Brian had in the Science of Psychopharmacology alone, my interactions with him are a small amount, however for me, he was a highly influential character, the only one I ever called Father in front of an audience (of students), but I should explain this was in the context of a EURON course in an old monastery (Rolduc) in the South of Limburg and the meaning of it was a shared sense of humour, as well as not taking everything too serious.

When I first met Brian I felt somewhat overwhelmed. He was already well established in his career and a family man with rigid opinions on most things but especially politics. By the time I became his brother-in-law I began to better understand his humour and wit and I began to enjoy his chats (or were they lectures?) whenever we met.
Brian was at his most amusing when describing the fascist UK government (even when it was run by Tony Blair) and the reasons why Ireland was the only place he could possibly live.
Brian always looked forward to family occasions and enjoyed educating the younger members whenever he had the chance. For some unknown reason he became known as Uncle Lenin to my sons - he revelled in that title and always referred to himself that way to us.
I can remember one occasion when we were looking for Brian and I eventually found him sitting outside in the sun, holding court, wine glass in hand, puffing on his pipe and surrounded by young people. The boys were in awe but the girls were mesmerised!
In later life Brian was always supportive of our health problems and all the while suffering poor health himself in addition to caring for Helga. I know that my wife Marian found great comfort from Brian's concerns and opinions when she was diagnosed with cancer. Family was always a priority in his world.
I feel blessed to have known Brian over the last 60 years. I will truly miss his wit, his opinions and his politics - he leaves a large void in our family.

I always knew my brother Brian would go far in his chosen path. As a teenager he enjoyed school and found technical subjects easy. He was greatly encouraged by his mentors who he kept in touch with for the rest of his life.
When we were children he was very different to the boys I knew - he preferred books and classical music to football and fighting! I was also well aware of his hobby of collecting butterflies as sometimes I was entrusted with the chloroform jar.
Because of our age difference our contact was limited when his academic career took off but he remained very supportive, often from afar. He was instrumental in my starting a nursing career by telling me I was wasted and should aim higher - of course he was right.
His achievements speak for themselves but Brian was always humble and proud of his roots and family. I, too, am proud of him and his legacy and I will miss him dearly.
Marian

Deepest sympathies to all of Prof Leonard's family. I feel very privileged to have benefited from his vision, enthusiasm, encouragement and warmth while doing my PhD and on the lucky occasions when I met him afterwards. You will be sadly missed Prof, rest in peace.

Prof. Leonerd is one of the reasons why I joined the Neuroscience research field. And he is also one of the reasons why I joined a monastery to become a nun. I shall never forget him. I join Helga and family with all my heart to share their loss. He will be in my prayers.

Paul and I always knew our uncle Brian as "Uncle Lenin”, reflecting his status as the best communist in the family. It took me some time to realise that wasn’t his real name. But Uncle Lenin relished his pseudonym, and he was undoubtedly the most dynamic, fun and inspiring uncle ever.

Uncle Lenin loved family gatherings, which he often instigated, and he filled them with colour, games and stories of his international exploits. He never talked down to my brother and I, taking a keen interest in our latest projects and challenging us to go further.

However long or brief our chats, Uncle Lenin and I always raged against the latest government corruption and looked forward to a better socialist future. “Keep flying the flag comrade!”

Uncle Lenin was a force of nature. I feel incredibly grateful for all the time we spent together, and I cannot yet comprehend the world without him in it. In his memory I’ll always aim to be as dynamic, fun and inspiring as possible. And to keep flying the flag.

Sincere sympathy to Helga, Ingrid and Heidi on the passing of dear Brian. Thinking of you all at this time. May his gentle soul Rest In Peace 🙏

My sincere condoleances to his loved ones on the passing of Prof. Brian Leonard. I have met him several times over the years on my visits to Maastricht and the EURON and other schools where he participated and we spoke several times extensively about several aspects of science and occasionally trained students together in workshops. It struck me how driven and supportive he always was to get the best out of each of the students. I will remember him as a gifted, bright and very kind person and a great scientist.

Always traveling and at home everywhere. That's the Brian Willem and I met years ago. Very involved with the young people around him and always trying to inspire them about his profession.
During the first few years that he came to work in Maastricht, he stayed with us. With ‘anybody home?' he announced his 'homecoming'. The fire was turned on, the wine was uncorked and the evening could begin. Brian would talk animatedly about work matters, about world politics, the latest literature, world religions, his work experiences abroad, about his family, his dogs, the neighbors and friends at home, and about the vegetable garden.
At home in Galway we were equally warmly welcomed by Brian and Helga. All those years he was supported by Helga and his daughters.
The memories he leaves behind are rich. I feel privileged to have known him and Helga and wish Helga Ingrid and Heidi much strength.

Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Brian. He was an outstanding researcher who was always on the cutting edge of advances in neuropsychopharmacology and biological psychiatry. Brian was respected not only for his scientific contributions but for his collegiality and superb social communication skills. We were fortunate enough to interact with him at numerous international conferences and to contribute a couple of chapters to one of his books. Neuroscience research has lost one of its most influential advocates, but he has left us with many fond memories.

Deepest sympathy to Helga, Ingrid and Heidi on the loss of Brian. The loss of a loved one is always hard, but particularly so at Christmastime. Warmest wishes to you all.

The International Stress and Behavior Society (ISBS), and myself personally, deeply mourn the loss of Professor Brian Leonard.

He was a brilliant neuroscientist, a paradigm-breaker as we all know it, and a great friend for us all. We will always remember fondly the great time he generously gave to so many of us - and the wonderful, humor-spiced lectures he read.

So let the hard work continue, as the Train of Science moves full speed ahead - it became much faster because of Brian's contribution to the field. RIP, our dear friend…

Brian you will be missed, but never forgotten.
I remember our numerous meetings all over the world and your frequent visits to Cairo giving courses on psychopharmacology.
I will always remember your sense of humor, knowledge, vision, and interesting style in teaching and most importantly, how much you enjoyed smoking your pipe.
Wishing all your family and loved ones patience and solace
May you rest in heavenly peace.

Sincerest condolences to the Leonard family on the passing of Brian. I had the great pleasure of attending his lectures as a medical student in the 1990s and having several subsequent discussions on psychopharmacology with him when working in psychiatry in Galway and at various research conferences.

Brian, You were a great character and committed to teaching and making the world a better place. You have left your mark on several generations of science and medical students, to say nothing of your work with the WHO in Africa. I remember having great fun discussing (slagging!) your model of the olfactory bulbectomised rat with you. Big sympathies to Helga and family. Ní bheidh a leithead arís.

Sending much love to Helga, Ingrid and Heide, Brian will be sadly missed.
We always enjoyed receiving thoughtful and informative emails from Brian, and especially
appreciated his concerns when Anne was ill.
Love from Leon, Mary and family in Kent. Xx

My sincere condolences to the family. I met Brian as a post-doc in Maastricht after his retirement. Retirement is not the good word as he actually never retired. He became a true mentor. Always open for discussion, advice and support. Not only scientifically, but also politically and morally. I enjoyed this so much. It also helped me to put things into perspective and tackle problems.
I remember him encouraging young scientists to think critically about how to do science in academic as well as industry settings. Inviting him to give a talk at a ski conference was no problem. Despite his bad knees he went up the mountain with the skiers. Of course only to smoke his pipe and enjoy the scenery.
He was a genuine and inspiring person and I will miss him.

Dear Helga, Ingrid and Heide,

What a shock to read about Brian's passing. First of all, please accept my sincere condolences and let me wish you lots of strength in the coming period.
Brian was not only a stimulating mentor in my early scientific carreer, but first and foremost a dear friend. I will dearly miss his enthousiasm when discussing science, and his strong positions on matters of life and politics.
My visit to Tullykyne not so long ago at the end of August, together with Anke, talking to Brian, walking in the bog with Dillan and with a regular quip about Irish and European politics, was as pleasant and amusing as always.

I have known Brian for almost 50 years, beginning with my internship at Organon as a chemistry student in the mid 1970's, with an intermezzo of 20 years and reconnecting again in the mid 1990's because of his visiting professorship at the Maastricht University. During his visits to Maastricht in the past 25 years we regularly met and joked and laughed about old Organon memories. But our visits to Tullykyne with Nicole and young Loek and Anke were highlights in those 25 years, which I will not easily forget.

His scientific achievements will have a continuing impact on the work of others all over the world. He was a real missionary in helping young scientists by sharing his vast knowledge in the field of neurofarmacology and neuroimmunology. He will be missed a lot.

Helga, Ingrid and Heide, stay strong.
Frans

Sincere condolences to Helga, Ingrid, Heidi & extended Leonard family, on the sad passing of Brian. He was such a gentleman, always had time for a chat & an update on how the children were getting on in life. Brian loved walking the dogs & many a time we would chat & reminisce about Tullykyne school & the fight to keep the school open. We held cultural nights at the school, with music & a cuppa tea, which was a great way of meeting up with the locals. I remember the brush dance, with Brian & myself the last people standing with the brush in our hands, he always reminded me of it. He loved those get togethers. Brian was was so well educated & travelled the world. His girls & Helga including the dogs were his world. He had always time for his neighbours. Brian will be greatly missed around the local area. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Freda.

Ziona and I live in Israel and we were priveleged to know Brian for the many years I have been active as a researcher in psychopharmacology and biological psychiatry. We are so sorry to learn of his passing. He was a warm and enagging person who had the most incisive sense of humour one could imagine. He was an outstanding researcher in psychopharmacology and a key person in the development of the CINP as an international organisation of stature and influence.
Several years ago we visited Galway and he was a warm and gracious host.
His research insights were very important for the development of the discipline.
We so much regret that we cannot see Brian again and spend time with him talking about so many topics of mutual interest. It is a cruel edict of age that those we would love to see again should be cut off forever. For his family the loss is greatest. We want to let you know that there are many such as us who deeply regret Brian's passing and remember a wonderful person with a great sense of fun alongside his remarkable research achievements.
May you be comforted in your loss.
Bernard and Ziona Lerer

Condolences to Helga, Ingrid and Heide on the recent death of Brian.
A fine colleague, teacher and researcher, his joy of learning and teaching was inspiring.

Deepest sympathies to Helga and family on the sad passing of Brian from myself and the academic psychiatry department in Galway. Brian possessed a towering intellect and a sharp wit and had a profound impact on the very many students and trainees that he taught and supervised. His name was regularly referenced for many years after his official retirement and he continued to be astonishingly productive and influential in psychopharmacology research. Always humorous and lively in his interactions, he was extremely generous with his time in contributing to psychopharmacology, psychiatry and neuroscience teaching and research meetings in Galway and beyond. He will be very sadly missed and our thoughts are with you at this time. Colm

Condolences to the Leonard family at this sad time. Prof was an amazing teacher, such a stickler for punctuality, precision and professionalism. I went on to become a GP and recall his lectures with admiration.
RIP.

I met Brian in the 90s when he provided inspiration and insight to research we collaborated on. He was such an affable and approachable person. A truly great scientist who will be greatly missed

Sorry to hear that Prof. Leonard has passed away.
He was student and research focussed in his work and we had engrossing conversations about film when I worked in Experimental Medicine.

Deepest Sympathy on the sudden passing of Brian.
He was a gentle soul.
May he Rest in Peace.

Sincere condolences to the Leonard family. Brian was a wonderful teacher and colleague. He will be long remembered for his generosity of spirit.

My condolences to all of Prof. Leonard's family on his sad passing. He is an important figure in my academic journey. I will always remember a guest lecture he gave a few years ago at Maastricht University, the Netherlands. A true scientist who shared his knowledge with passion.
May he rest in peace.

Deepest sympathies on the passing of Prof. Leonard. He was an excellent and engaging teacher. I always loved chatting to him as a PhD student while helping him log into the various Reviewer sections of journal websites, long after his "retirement"

Prof Leonard was ahead of his time as an educator and helped me with regular one on one feedback during my undergraduate training as a medical student . He was firm fair and generous with his time . He made a big difference to me in 1979
May he rest in peace
Tony Lee

A very sad loss. I remember him being held up by customs in various airports because of his false knees, which he tolerated with a wonderful sense of humour. He was great company over a meal. His textbook of psychopharmacology was a credit to his persevering nature. He discussed technical matters in the same easy way as art or travel. A wonderful human being with a great heart. I hope that his family will find some solace in his legacy.
Brian O'Shea, Greystones

What very sad news, of Brian's passing: my sincere condolences to all his family. Brian was a distinguished and energetic Past President of the British Association for Psychopharmacology, and an enormous inspiration to countless early career researchers in pharmacology and clinical neuroscience. We will miss his wit and wisdom.

My condolences to all of Brian's family on his sad passing. May he rest in peace. I am extremely grateful to be another of Prof Leonard's PhD students (graduated 1996). I as well as many others have gone on to use that opportunity to impact the care, treatment and education of countless patients, families, and trainees locally, nationally and internationally. I went on to study Medicine following my PhD and a period of time lecturing and practiced in Ireland, Canada and now in the UK. His positive influence has had rippling effects globally, which are ever expanding. Thank you Prof Leonard.

Deepest sympathy to Helga, Ingrid, Heide and family, from me personally, and on behalf of all of the current staff and students in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Galway. Brian's brilliant lectures, outstanding research achievements and wonderfully engaging and supportive personality were a major inspiration and influence on my career path, and those of so many others. He put Neuropsychopharmacology in Galway well and truly on the world map, and his legacy is enormous. We will strive to emulate the many qualities that he brought to our Department and honour his memory long into the future.

To Helga, Ingrid and Heide, sincere sympathies to you all on Brian’s sad passing. A legend to generations of medical students, a brilliant and stimulating lecturer and mentor, and later a wonderful and supportive colleague. Heide, Mary has very happy memories of your teaching together in London many years ago. With our condolences.