I first met Dr John Pottage at Melbourne University in the 1970s when he was a lecturer in the Department of History and Philosophy of Science. I was studying Middle Eastern Studies on the floor above and I soon found that Dr John had very wide interests, extending from the hard sciences to the humanities. He could discuss a wide range of subject areas and he kept an extensive library of books, articles and cuttings, which needed continual trimming and filing. As his health failed him, he spent much of his time making sure that the many scholarly books in his vast library found new homes for continuing reading and research. Dr Pottage, Gentleman and Scholar, at all times displayed a teaching approach which was student-friendly, fitness routines which were arduous and friendships which were caring and sincere. I have personally been greatly enriched by my considerable contact with Dr Pottage and I considered it a priviledge to be able to spend about four days at his home in Mount Eliza during November 2009, helping John to sort and find new homes for his Library books. Dr Pottage led a very full and rewarding life, was surrounded by a very loyal and loving family and his legacy, including the donation of his body to Science, will ensure that in a way he has not gone and most certainly he will never be forgotten.

John taught me history of maths in the HPS department at Melb Uni. His classes were classics - he would recreate the thinking, the formulae of the greats, off the bat, and I'm sure he used those classes to keep his memory strong. When he was writing Geometrical Investigations, he asked me to proof read chapters as he finished them. I don't think I ever found even a typo, let alone an error of expression ! His recreation of the Galilean dialogue style was so fresh and fun - and brilliant scholarly! Of course he hated being around those of us who smoked and drank, but he always joined in after. He always had time for his students. He took an intesrt in many aspects of my life in the 70s, showing me how he used the gym equipment at the uni, organising sessions to watch video of eastern gurus, even talking about relationships. I remember he was almost exactly the same age as my father, also and academic at Melb Uni, who passed away only a month ago. A sad loss, but a wonderful life lived by an inspiring man.