John ffitch, who was professor of Software Engineering at the University of Bath, first in Mathematical Sciences then in Computer Science, from 1980 to his retirement in 2011, died on 11 June 2026 after complications following a fall at home.
John was a key member of the growth of Mathematical Sciences in the 1970s and 1980s, being recruited here by John Willis (first professor of Mathematics) and Robin Sibson (first professor of Statistics). Under his leadership as Head of the Computing Group, the Mathematics and Computing degree moved from the “Computing” component being Numerical Analysis to being Computer Science. It was then joined by the University’s first truly Computer Science Degree, then called Computer Software Theory. The initial intake was 10, compared with today’s figure of over 200 in what is now the Department of Computer Science. John recruited several new members to the Department; Julian Padget and James Davenport are still here.
John’s interest when he came were in computer algebra and its applications to general relativity, and in the software technology needed to support computer algebra systems, which were among the largest research software applications of their day. In later years his interests shifted to computer music, and again to the underpinning software technology. He was joint project leader for the audio programming language Csound.
James Davenport said, "John ffitch encouraged my curiosity in computer algebra when I was an undergraduate, accepted me as a research student and was my supervisor until he moved to Leeds, encouraged me to apply for the lectureship at Bath in 1983 when he was Head of the Computing Group in Mathematics, and supported me to apply for the Hebron & Medlock Chair. Hence I owe him a great deal career-wise, but at least an equal amount personally."
The funeral is at 2pm on Thursday 16 July at Haycombe Crematorium, followed by a reception on campus from 3 - 4.30pm in 10E Pavilion. For details please contact James Davenport at masjhd@bath.ac.uk.
We know that John's death will affect colleagues, friends, and the wider University community, and a range of support is available.
Support for staff:
- You can find information on free counselling support for staff
- The Education Support Partnership is an independent counselling service. They provide a 24/7 telephone and email helpline. You can contact them directly by phoning 08000 562561 or by emailing support@edsupport.org.uk
- The Chaplaincy staff are happy to talk with anyone who has been affected, in total confidence. Please email chaplaincy@bath.ac.uk or Ian Spence, Coordinating Faith Leader
- Cruse Bereavement Care offers free confidential support by telephone, email or face-to-face.