[ASA] Vale Frank Freeman

[Christopher Lidman]

We are sorry to announce that Frank Freeman has passed away aged 79.

Frank Freeman is well known to many in the Australian and British astronomical communities as a member of the AAO/AAT team. Frank had worked at the Harwell Atomic Energy Research Establishment when he saw an advertisement in the New Scientist magazine for specialist staff to operate and support the recently constructed  Anglo-Australian Telescope. He had also worked in Australia on UV telescopic astronomical observations flown on sounding rockets launched from the Woomera range.

Frank joined the AAO in December 1977 and quickly established himself in his new role where his knowledge and skills greatly contributed to the efficiency of observing. His high vacuum and cryogenic systems experience was applied to the aluminising and the arrival of the first cryostat for the infrared photometer/spectrometer. These were quickly added to by the arrival of the CCDs and other infrared instruments.

Frank applied his rigorous and methodical approach to his night assisting which when combined with his knowledge of the telescope and instruments provided great support to the observers. Achieving the maximum efficiency of the telescope and instrumentation was paramount and woe betide any observer who turned up unprepared. Often Frank applied his analysis skills in crafting custom software from first principles to investigate instrumentation and detector performance as well as a variety of other observatory issues.

People warmed to Frank's gregarious and engaging personality. He enjoyed life and socialising with people. Embracing the move to Coonabarabran he quickly engaged with the community becoming involved in the Lion's service club and the golf club as a keen golfer and senior committee member. He also continued to play rugby for some time with much younger players and could sometimes be seen a little sore and sorry on Monday after a tough match.

Having moved from Britain he quickly grew to love his adopted country, particularly 4WD fishing expeditions to the far North of Queensland with his mates. He enjoyed touring in the outback and reading the stories of the bush.

Family life was important to Frank and brought him much joy. He had met Cynthia during his earlier trip to Australia and enjoyed recounting their story, although sometimes moderated by Cynthia.

Always willing to share his knowledge he helped many to develop their skills and expertise. He interacted with people of all levels who shared his striving for excellence and motivation. He was confident managing up and down. Contributions were made in many areas including the development of site staff responsibilities, reviewing and refining of the telescope schedule and developing work practices for the cryogenics and high vacuum equipment.

He did not seek the limelight instead choosing to ensure that the job got done as a team. He made a great contribution to the success of the Anglo-Australian Telescope.

Frank was a wonderful friend and colleague and we will all miss him.

He is survived by Cynthia, Debbie, Frank and Catherine.

Frank will be privately cremated with a celebration of his life to be held at a future date.


Friends and Colleagues of Frank Freeman

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