Glyn Morton obituary
My grandfather Glyn Morton, who has died aged 86, was an environmental microbiologist based for most of his career at the University of Lancashire, rising from senior lecturer to professor and then head of department. In 2007 he was appointed emeritus professor. He published more than 140 papers and supervised dozens of researchers. He was a chartered biologist, a fellow of the Royal Society of…
Glyn Morton, the esteemed environmental microbiologist, has passed away at the age of 86. Throughout his illustrious career, he held positions at the University of Lancashire, advancing from a senior lecturer to a professor and later the head of his department. In 2007, he was granted the esteemed title of emeritus professor. His impressive body of work includes over 140 published papers and the guidance of numerous researchers.
Morton was recognized for his contributions to the field, holding the titles of chartered biologist, fellow of the Royal Society of Biology, and president of the International Biodeterioration Society. He was particularly fond of portraying the character of Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, a role that mirrored his own role as a loving father to multiple cast of daughters, embodying kindness and a welcoming nature.
Born in Hanley, Staffordshire, Morton was the youngest of six children to Alice and Thomas Morton, a shoe shop manager. The family later moved to Pwllheli, Wales, where Glyn developed an early interest in performing, including appearing on the BBC’s Children’s Hour radio program in the 1950s. However, his true passion lay in the realm of science.
Morton pursued his academic interests at Cardiff University, earning a degree in biology, zoology, and botany in 1962. He furthered his studies with a master's and a PhD from Aston University in 1975. Before establishing his career at the University of Lancashire, Morton taught biology at a girls' grammar school in Birmingham and at St Anne's college in Lytham St Anne’s.
He later became the director of research in the department of forensic and investigative science at UCLan. Morton and his wife, Carole, a teacher, settled in Freckleton, Lancashire, where they raised three daughters, Janet, Sue, and Ann, along with an unofficial son, James, and his children, Dylan and Maisie. Glyn's legacy is remembered for his engaging conversations, unmatched sense of humor, and the countless stories he shared.
His 2007 emeritus professorship lecture combined stories and science seamlessly, exemplifying a life well-lived through the lens of both performance and academia. Carole Morton passed away in 2009, leaving behind Morton and their three grandchildren, Ben, Jacob, and Emily.
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