A FORMER school friend has paid tribute to prominent Milford-born scientist Professor Brian Clark, who died earlier this month, having received ongoing treatment for cancer.

Mr Clarke was best known for his important contributions in the field of molecular biology.

Born and raised in Pembrokeshire, Mr Clark attended school in Milford Haven, before passing the 11-plus and going on to the local grammar school, where he became head boy.

School friend Glyn Riby, 78, who now lives in Saundersfoot, said it was clear early on that his friend was destined for greatness.

“It was a foregone conclusion that he would sail through his 11-plus,” said Mr Riby.

“He was outstanding, always at the top of the class.”

An only child, Mr Clark spent his early years in Trafalgar Road, and Mr Riby said he always had a lot of encouragement from his mother.

“She was very proud of him, and rightly so. If only she had been able to see what he would go on to achieve,” he said.

Mr Clark studied organic chemistry at King's College Cambridge, before marrying Milford girl Margaret Woolcock at St Katharine’s Church.

He then spent three years in the USA and 10 years in Cambridge at the Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Biology.

In 1974, he relocated to Aarhus, Denmark, to take up the Chair of Biostructural Chemistry at the University of Aarhus, where he remained until his death.

Despite losing touch for several years, Mr Riby re-kindled his friendship with Mr Clark after he moved to Denmark, and the pair kept in contact ever since.

Mr Clark and his wife would still holiday in Pembrokeshire, and Mr Riby last saw his friend in 2013, when they went for a beer together.

“I knew then that things weren’t right,” he said. “I said to my wife, I think that’s the last time I’m going to see him.”

Mr Clark lost his battle with colon cancer on October 6, and his funeral took place on Tuesday, October 14, in Aarhus.

Mr Riby said his lifelong friendship with Mr Clark was a source of great pride.

“He never changed, it was as if we were still at school together, and I am going to miss him,” he said.

“He had an innate ability, but he also worked hard. He carried on right till the end.”