Bernd Müller, a design tutor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, died on Thursday 6 August.

A keen mountaineer, he was a long-serving member of the department, having contributed to design tutoring for 25 years.

Last year he underwent heart bypass surgery, but withdrew from his tutoring duties only this year. An engineer by profession, Müller also owned a guest farm, Silwerfontein, in the Voëlvlei Nature Conservancy.

Here Müller demonstrated his love of nature. He lived in a tent for three years while he built the farm's facilities, mainly using materials he found on the land. He made his own bricks, and felled trees to cut planks.

"Bernd made a major contribution to the teaching of design in the department over many years and will be sorely missed, both by staff and by numerous students," said Professor Bob Tait.

"Our condolences go out at this time to Karin and his family, his son Sascha and daughter Nadja, and his two grandchildren."