We are profoundly saddened by the death of Brian Bayliss, a respected and much admired colleague of the School of Management and the University of Bath. Brian is remembered for his professionalism, enduring commitment and outstanding contributions to the School, the University and to his field of research.
Brian was appointed as Director of the Centre for European Industrial Studies in 1975 before moving into the School as Professor of Economics in the mid 1980s. As Head of School from 1996 – 2003, Brian played a key role in moving the School to an independent entity within the University rather than a department within H&SS. His commitment to excellence in both teaching and research was absolute, and the School was ranked 4th in the first RAE and ‘excellent’ in the first Teaching Quality Assessment conducted in the UK.
Brian also made significant contributions at the University level. He served as Pro-Vice-Chancellor between 1983 and 1986, was Chairman of the Arts & Social Sciences Area of the University, prior to the faculty system being established, and also served on most of the University's senior committees over the years.
Brian will also be remember for the breadth and depth of contribution to the field of Transport Economics. He was editor of the Journal of Transport Economics and Policy from 1976 to 1986, and then became chairman of the Board, a role he retained until his death. Brian’s expertise was also recognised outside of the world of academia and he spent much of his time working with and advising the European Union authorities on transport issues. Apart from Brian’s knowledge of economics, he was well suited to his new position, being fluent in both French and German.
Brian leaves behind his wife, Ros, their 2 children Vanessa and Alexander and one grandchild, Maximilian.
David Starkie, JTEP Editorial Board member, said: “His death was a great shock and I send my condolences to his family. He was a very kind and generous man, a meticulous and hard working Chair of the Board of the Journal Of Transport Economics and Policy (which he had edited in the 1980s). In this role, his attention to detail was outstanding and he never wavered from involvement in the unglamorous minutiae of the publishing process. And it is very much due to him that the assets of the Journal rests with Bath University.
"I too owe Brian a great debt: he had, of course, a strong interest in policy issues and was keen that the Journal should continue to honour the Policy section of its title which led to him to ask me to become its Policy Notes Editor in 1995. During these times he was very supportive of my decisions.
"The Journal is as much Brian's legacy as it is of its two founders, Denys Munby and Michael Thompson. I am deeply saddened by his death and shall remain forever grateful to him.”
Lachmi Bose, Journal manager, added: “Professor Brian Bayliss, Chair of Transport Economics and Policy, passed away suddenly on 28th January, leaving his family totally devastated and us. His colleagues stunned and bereft. A recent medical report gave him a clean bill of health which made his sudden passing even more unbelievable and distressing.
"Highly respected and well liked, Brian was a wonderful man, a true gentleman and kind, humble and a gentle man. He was passionate about the Journal and had been involved with it for decades, first as an Editor and later as Chairman. He encouraged and supported me, in my role as Journal Manager, to facilitate the smooth running of the journal and I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity and privilege of working closely with him for the past 19 years. He will be sadly missed by us all.
"Members of the Editorial Board join me in sending our sincere condolences to the family and wishing them courage in this difficult and sad time.“