| Communications and Development |  |
Published by Communications and Development
University of Canterbury Council member, distinguished alumnus and successful businessman Dr Russell Smith has been tragically killed in a plane crash.
Dr Smith and his wife Marian D'Eve, also a Canterbury graduate, died when their Cessna 182 crashed into the sea off North Canterbury on Sunday afternoon.
Dr Smith was head of HumanWare (previously Pulse Data International) a company which he helped create. HumanWare is today one of Canterbury's major electronics companies and is known internationally for its Braille and speech technology, screen-reading software and video-magnification solutions.
Ms D'Eve, who graduated with a BEd in 1999, was an early childhood education specialist and author of a handbook for teachers.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Roy Sharp says University staff are saddened by the tragic news.
“Like so many people, we here at the University of Canterbury will mourn the loss of a warm, sincere man who had no shortage of vision and passion.
“Russell will be a huge loss for the technology sector, which benefited greatly over the past 25 years from his ideas and innovations. His success in developing technologies to improve the quality of life for people with visual impairments brought him much respect and personal satisfaction.
“Russell and Marian were both very loyal Canterbury alumni. He was a staunch advocate who, despite his busy professional life, made time to serve on our Council,” says Professor Sharp.
“As Vice-Chancellor, I admired and appreciated his significant contribution. Russell's passing will be felt deeply by his fellow Council members.
“I offer my sincere condolences to the families of Russell and Marian and their close friends.”
For further information please contact:
John MacDonald
Communications Manager
University of Canterbury
Tel: +64-3-364 2910
Fax: +64-3-364 2679
Mob: +64-27-441 7280
john.macdonald@canterbury.ac.nz