It is with sadness that that I heard the announcement of the death of John Sulston this week. Other commentators have remarked on his contribution to the first working draft of the human genome and the clarity with which he argued that this science should be in the public domain. 
I had the privilege of beng his colleague on the UK Human Genetics commission. I remember not only his intellect and humanity but also that he was great fun. My time on this Commission was one of the most formative in my professional life and much of that was due to working with colleagues such as John. My sympathies go to his family, friends and colleagues. 

His contribution to the science of human genetics should be acknowledged and his personal qualities remembered.

Christine Patch
President of the ESHG