A unique character

I met Ellis for the first time in 1996 when he was leaving USA, while I was coming to this country for a sabbatical stay with my family. At this time I did not know that 15 year after, we would have a 5-year companionship at LCR Scientific Directorate. Ellis was selling a gigantic Ford Taurus Station Wagon, that I found suitable to bring my wife and my four kids through Maryland and Virginia. The car, who had already been driven for 260,000 miles, only failed in the very last week of our American year, so it was worth its $1,800 !

In 2011 when I joined LCR, he was a respected Scientific Director in Chemistry, and I had a much pleasant time working with him, in spite (or because) of my very low gifts for this science. He taught me many things not only in the wide domain of non-Portland cements, including of course Aether, but in a wide array of other topics, where he always displayed a deep culture and mind openness. We shared also the responsibility of assessing innovative ideas proposed by our colleagues, and this gave us opportunities for many interesting discussions. With our missed colleague Gilles Chanvillard, and the other experts (Laurent, Pierre-Henri and Martin), it was the great time of the LCR Scientific Directorate.

With Ellis I shared also a passion for music, and I had the pleasure to attend several concerts of his choir. I know he was very serious in attending the rehearsals and, yes, the result was there...

Ellis retired from LCR two years ago. Since this date, we miss very much his scientific knowledge and his legendary British humor. I will keep the memory of an excellent scientist and a very good friend. I am extending my deepest condolences to his family, but I want to assure it can be proud of him as a scientist and a man.

François de Larrard

Scientific Director

LCR