Distinguished scientist dies

Professor John Morton. Photo / NZ Herald

One of the country's most respected scientists has died.

Professor John Morton passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on Sunday.

After graduating from the University of Auckland in zoology, Professor Morton studied towards his PhD at the University of London, before lecturing on the subject at the same university.

In 1960 he became the first person to be appointed to the chair of zoology at Auckland University, where his teaching style and influence have been well-documented in The History of Biology at Auckland University 1883-1983.

He helped to found the marine laboratory at Leigh and went on to lead the marine party of the Royal Society's expedition to the Pacific. In 1969, he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand.

At the time of Professor Morton's retirement, the Zoology Department's Michael Miller wrote in a university newspaper: "His involvement came at exactly the right time. It was the time of the ecofreaks, those hippies devoted to Mother Earth and doing a very good job of pricking the conscience of the rest of the world."

A funeral service will be held on Friday at St Mary's Cathedral in Parnell. He is survived by wife Pat, children Clare and Rob and grandchildren Matthew, Sam and Tilde.