Tributes were paid today to a York scientist who died of cancer and kidney disease.

The family of Tony Semlyen, 64, an acclaimed academic who had worked for the University of York's chemistry department since the 1960s, have praised the excellent care he received from health professionals in York during his illness.

He was the husband of St Leonard's Hospice fundraiser Rachel Semlyen,

Letters have flooded in to the Semlyen household describing Tony as a "brilliant scientist" with an "amazing consideration for others", capable of instilling students and graduates with the ability and confidence to achieve their goals. At home Tony was a spiritual person and a loyal churchman, as well as a governor of Elvington School.

His family said: "His cheerfulness and stories brightened many a gathering. His interest and care for everyone, and his ability to reach out and touch people's hearts and minds was very special." His distinguished academic career began in earnest when he won a state scholarship open exhibition to Murton College, Oxford, in 1955. After a spell in America, he joined the University of York in 1967 and was teaching and supervising until his illness forced him to stop last November.

He leaves a widow, Rachel, son James, daughter, Louisa, and granddaughter Rosie, born five months ago.

Updated: 12:21 Friday, March 09, 2001