SEB Bulletin January 2007
Obituary: Mike Lakin
CEO, Society for Experimental Biology (2000 - 2006)
Recently the SEB's first Chief Executive, Mike Lakin, passed away after losing his battle with cancer and the complications arising from his treatment. His health had deteriorated rapidly over the last few weeks preceding his death and he was requiring dialysis several times a day.
Mike previously worked for the Inland Revenue and only joined the SEB when he retired, aged 60, from his Civil Service position in 1998. Mike was never the sort of person to settle to a 'pipe and slippers' lifestyle and the SEB provided him with a new challenge and a second career. Mike would have been the first to admit that his studies at the London School of Economics provided little in the way of scientific background and whilst he regularly completed the Times crossword any science-based questions were often his downfall. On joining the SEB he very quickly came to understand biological processes and words such as 'photosynthesis' and 'biomechanics' became as familiar to him as the financial terms he had worked with for so many years. His addition to the SEB came at a time when recruiting Honorary Officers was becoming harder and those in the office were finding the pressures of assessment exercises in relation to teaching (TQA) and research (RAE) had to take precedence over SEB matters. As such, Mike heralded a new, more professional approach, to the running of the Society which was, and remains, less reliant on volunteers stepping forward to take up positions as Honorary Officers. Mike also oversaw the purchase of the Society's present offices in Southampton which are wholly owned by the Society as opposed to the previous arrangements whereby the SEB rented space from the Linnaean Society. His knowledge of accountancy practices and tax laws allowed the Society to take a more hands on approach to its financial matters and thus we were able to dispense with the use of expensive accountancy firms and to have a better idea of the Society's financial fortunes on a daily basis. Mike's knowledge of VAT laws was a great help to the Society and at one time even ensured the then President was saved from being sent to prison for inadvertently denying HM Government its income.
Mike's illness had forced him to reduce the hours he worked for the SEB and he stepped down as Chief Executive in July 2005, but continued on a part time basis dealing with contractual matters. Mike finally left the Society earlier this year; the purchase of offices in Southampton made his daily commute from Ascot rather more difficult, especially whilst receiving treatment for his illness, and it also took him away from some of his favourite London venues which he would visit after work, for example the annual Proms at the Albert Hall. Once fully retired Mike still failed to take retirement seriously and he immediately embarked on studying for a second degree, this time in Philosophy, and he was undoubtedly enjoying the academic stimulation that this brought him. He also assisted the local Citizens Advice Bureau offices and helped them provide financial and other advice to those in need. Outside of work Mike was a keen golfer and campanologist and had rung peels in most UK cathedrals as well as holding high office in their national organisation.
Mike is survived by his wife and three children from a previous marriage; they, like me, have lost a dear friend.
Tony Stead
Former SEB Treasurer