Andrew Lane (1942 – 2025)
A dedicated Earth scientist and gifted teacher, Andy spent a lifetime sharing his love of geology with students, colleagues and his community.
Andrew Lane (© Sandra Lane)
Dr Andrew (Andy) Nicholas Lane was a true geologist and mentor to many, with his knowledge covering a wide range of disciplines, including structural and mining geology, stratigraphy and palaeontology.
Mining and teaching
Andy went to Cheltenham College and graduated from the University of Birmingham with a BSc (Hons) in Geology in 1963, before continuing with a PhD there. On completion, he went to Uganda as a section geologist at the Kilembe Copper Mine in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Upon returning to the UK, Andy took up a position at the then National Coal Board in South Wales, including work on the aftermath of the Aberfan Tip Disaster. His last ever publication before his death was for the geological magazine Down To Earth (Vol. 132, p. 8-9) covering this very topic. During his time in South Wales, Andy developed a taste for teaching through the Extramural Department at the University of Cardiff, an experience that changed his career path.
In 1973, he took up a full-time teaching post at the University of Zambia School of Mines. Here, he was part of a team that set up the Department of Geology, working with the Zambian Copperbelt Mining Companies. Through the 1970s, he also undertook consultancy work on coal deposits with Maamba Collieries Limited and had a short contract with the Zambian Geological Survey producing geological maps.
He inspired many generations of students through his ability to translate his geological knowledge into something tangible
Lifelong learning
Andy returned to the UK again in the 1980’s and joined the Sunderland Polytechnic Department of Mining (later to become the University of Sunderland Department of Geology) where he continued to inspire many generations of students through his ability to translate his geological knowledge into something tangible, until its closure in 2004. Andy then continued to share his geological knowledge through a wide range of institutions, including teaching geology part-time at the Centre for Lifelong Learning in Newcastle, presenting various courses and one-off talks, and running week-long field trips. Following funding cuts, this was replaced by the Explore programme to which Andy continued to contribute.
He presented at least one geology course a year at Age UK Sunderland, and gave occasional talks to local clubs and societies including the North Eastern Geological Society. Of his many fieldtrips, the most memorable for me was to the Isle of Arran, staying at the Kildonan Hotel. Andy wore hearing aids in both ears and would volunteer to take the room above the bar as he could take them out and get a good night’s sleep despite the revelry below.
Passions and legacy
Andy’s publications frequently covered the role of geology in more common aspects of life, especially those in his home city. These include Bedrock and Building Stones – Geology exposed in the City of Sunderland (2014, self-published) and Pulpits and Pubstone: Some remarkable rocks in the City of Sunderland (2018, self-published).
Andy will also be remembered for his two other joys in life, good food and single malt whisky. Following his death aged 82 on 9 August 2025 at Sunderland General Hospital, his internment into a woodland grave was accompanied by a farewell glass of 1996 Arran Distillery Single Malt – a fitting farewell to a lovely man. Andy leaves his wife Sandy and two children.
By Dr Jeremy Dearlove
