Dr Francis Biley

It was with great sadness and shock that we learned of the death of our dear friend and former colleague, Dr Fran Biley on 3rd November 2012. Fran had been ill for short while; he and his family knew it was a terminal condition and he died peacefully with his wife Anna, Matthew and James, his beloved boys, at his side.

Many staff and students within the Schools of Nursing and Midwifery Studies and Health Care Studies, and the wider academic fraternity will remember Fran with love and thanks for the privilege of having known him. Fran was a stalwart member of staff within UWCM and Cardiff University; he was instrumental in the development and leadership of the MSc Nursing Studies and caused many staff and students to learn to think differently. In the best sense of the word Fran was a maverick; sometimes misunderstood, sometimes infuriating which he enjoyed being told with that chuckle of his, and challenging to those he knew, worked with and taught to consider the ways of the world and academia from different perspectives.

Fran left the School in 2007 and moved to Bournmouth to take up a new post. We missed him and were thankful for social media sites which enable such instant, although virtual, contact with friends. Fran was a gentleman in every way; he was kind and courteous and a very proud husband and father.

Fran, we are saddened by your death and will miss you. There are many who are grateful for the opportunity and privilege of having known and worked with you. Our thoughts and love are with Anna and your boys.