Dr Victor Edward Lewis

We are saddened to share news of the death of King's alumnus, Dr Victor Edward Lewis.

In 1961, Victor Edward Lewis came to study physics at King's. He achieved a first class BSc Special Honours in 1964, then stayed on to complete a PhD in Nuclear Physics.

Experimental work 

As part of his PhD, Victor's experimental work was carried out at the Proton Linear Accelerator (PLA) facility at the Rutherford High Energy Laboratory in Harwell, Oxfordshire. The PLA produced a beam of accelerated protons that would be scattered in all directions and onto the experimenters' targets. Analysis of the scattering pattern would yield information on the nuclear structure of the selected target isotope and compare with theoretical calculations.

Advancing radiotherapy 

Victor worked as a research physicist at the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington for 33 years, eventually becoming a Principal Scientific Officer. Using innovative methods, he designed the necessary apparatus for precision measurements of the beta-decay of Tritium. As part of an influential group developing neutron metrology around the world, his work contributed to the advancement of accurate dosing for patients undergoing radiotherapy. He also became the chairman of an international committee on neutron measurements at the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures in Paris.

An unassuming and kind man 

Victor was a thoughtful, kind and unassuming man. He shared his love of walking and train travel with his wife, Diana, with whom he had 58 happy and fulfilling years. Vic was much loved by their three children and six grandchildren. He was also a Health Walks leader, secretary of Richmond Ramblers for many years and a volunteer with the Friends of Bushy and Home Parks. He was very pleased and proud when, in 2019, our grandson Jack undertook a master's degree in Public Policy at King's. Following his diagnosis of prostate cancer and six years of treatment, he remained active and positive. He was delighted to be offered targeted therapy using a radionuclide in the nuclear medicine department at Charing Cross Hospital, where he enjoyed discussing radioisotopes with a young hospital physicist from King's.

In recognition of his passion for science and his happy times here, Victor kindly left King's a gift in his Will which will be used to support students studying Physics. Our thanks and sympathies are with his family and friends. If you are interested in leaving a gift in your Will to King's and would like to speak to someone, please contact our Head of Legacy and In Memory Giving, Julia Brown at Julia.4.brown@kcl.ac.uk.

The details of this obituary have been provided by Victor's wife, Diana.