SALE, Emeritus Professor Arthur Harry John

Inaugural Professor of Computer Science at the University of Tasmania died peacefully in his sleep on 15 May 2020. Husband of Elaine, father and grandfather of Colette and Evan Calver (Sydney), father of Michele Sale (dec) and brother of Margaret Ansell (Brisbane).

Born in Durban, South Africa. After becoming an electrical engineer and completing his PhD at the University of Natal In Durban, Arthur spent a year 1963/64 doing post graduate studies with Philips International Institute at Eindhoven in the Netherlands which instigated his love of computing. On his return he became a Senior Lecturer In computer science at the University of Natal. In 1969 he took up a similar position at the University of Sydney but in the Physics Department from which early computing courses were taught. When the Federal Government decided to establish stand alone computer departments, taking up his position at the University of Tasmania in 1974 Arthur, at 33, became the youngest Professor ever appointed in Australia up to that time. He started the first computer course in Australia which began in first year rather than in third year as was the custom. He also established the Tasmanian Branch of the Australian Computer Society.

Later, Arthur became Pro Vice Chancellor Information Services and oversaw the construction of the Burnie campus and its early courses, and the transfer of the Newnham campus in Launceston to Inveresk. Negotiations with the Maritime College and TAFE saw closer cooperation between the three Institutions. Retirement did not dull his love of the University of Tasmania and he remained involved in various capacities to the end.

Arthur had many interests, researching them all thoroughly. He loved anything to do with the sea and astronomical navigation, building model ships or depicting them and landscapes in watercolours. He made stained glass windows and sold many artistic glass pieces, set up the original Ausglass website, made bead jewellery, carved wood, built furniture, among many other crafts. The Spotlight Golf Machine fascinated him. With an amazing memory, he was a walking encyclopaedia.

Grateful thanks to Professor John Burgess, Drs Anna Johnston and Nile Nelson, Dr Mark Wilson, Josie Okey, Deborah Thompson, the Diabetes Clinic, all in 8A, 1A, Pathology South and the In- and Outpatient Pharmacies at the RHH for their care of Arthur over the last eleven years and Gibson Unit at St Johns hospital over the last ten days. Also to Dr Michael Tooth and Sandy Bay Clinic for many more years of care.

At Arthur’s request there will be no funeral.