TRIBUTES have poured in for a "universally loved" university technician who has tragically passed away.

Alan Brown, who had worked at Bournemouth University for 37 years and lived in Bournemouth, collapsed at his home on the evening of Sunday July 30 before passing on Monday July 31.

Since the news of Alan's death reached the BU community, messages of condolence and support have come in abundance from student and staff, past and present.

Alan is survived by his wife Melanie and 11-year-old daughter Freya.

Melanie, who celebrated her 22nd wedding anniversary with Alan this July, said the messages from students and staff encapsulated Alan's personality and passion for his job.

"Everything was about technology and music. He has left me quite a substantial amount of vinyl records in all formats.

"His kindness and gentle nature for such a big chap stand out, but also his rich interest in everything, especially his daughter.

"Alan was interested in everything she did and put down whatever he was doing to play any game with her and with such enthusiasm and energy."

An alumni of the university's MA Radio Production course, Alan played an instrumental role in setting up and maintaining the student-led internet radio station BIRSt.

Former university lecturer Seán Street, who set up the MA Radio Production course, knew Alan since the 1990s and said he was instrumental to everything radio at BU.

"Everyone who knew Alan remembers him as a quiet, unassuming, somewhat shy, but always patient and endlessly helpful teacher," Seán said.

"He paid me the greatest compliment by choosing to actually do the MARP course himself.

"He devoted his life to his role at the university, but let it not be forgotten how gifted he was in his own right.

"I also knew him as a great family man, and I know how proud he was of his little girl Freya, and his wife Mel. My heart goes out to them.

"Only a few days ago, I was still asking his advice - I wanted to buy a new DAB radio, and Alan recommended one. As always, of course, I followed his advice. It arrived on the same morning I heard of his passing.

"If there is anyone I can think of from my many years at BU for whom the term ‘universally loved’ would be absolutely true - it would be Alan Brown."

Alan's skills stretched far beyond his role as a technician. His radio feature 'Walls Have Ears' won an award at the Broadcast Education Awards, Las Vegas.

BU radio production lecturer Jo Tyler, said: "Alan was a great teacher, a gentle and patient soul. He loved hearing about students who had moved on from university and celebrated their achievements.

"As a colleague he was invaluable. listening to every idea and usually within no time having a solution. He answered every query as if it was the most important question of the day.

"He was unflappable and understood what it was like to be new to university. He treated everyone equally and smiled at everyone, no exceptions.

"More than anything, I miss my radio friend. His sense of humour and professional ethic made working with him a joy. He also had a voice like silk. He truly was Amazing Alan, I feel so privileged to have known and learned from him."

Alongside his work with radio production courses, Alan was an integral part of the university's multimedia journalism set up.

Head of radio broadcast journalism at BU, Phill Brown, said: "No matter how unforeseen, unexplainable or complex the technical issue, no matter how emotional the student, no matter how ambitious the project, Alan always sorted everything out calmly and efficiently.

"I never saw him flinch, not once. His ultra calm manner was so admirable.

"I will miss him dearly, but take heart from the fact that he will have had a positive impact on the skills and lives of literally thousands of people who've been taught by him.

Karen Fowler-Watt, head of School of Journalism, English and Communication, said: "Working with Alan for many years, I was always so struck by his patience, humility and gentle sense of humour.

"He was an exemplary technical tutor, whose support for students and colleagues was consistent and utterly selfless.

"He will be so missed, but leaves a powerful legacy in the generations of students who he inspired to love life in the radio studio - their tributes on the Facebook page dedicated to Alan's memory say it all."

The Facebook page set up in memory of Alan has seen more than 100 detailed messages of tribute, with Alan's patient, warm and caring manner featuring prominently.

BA Multimedia Journalism student Abi Simpson, who is graduating this summer, set up the Facebook tribute page.

"The overwhelming trend seen in everyone's messages is that Alan was a very patient and calm man who provided endless advice to all students whenever they need it, and always did so with a smile on his face," Abi said.

"He was an absolute professional who clearly loved what he did.

"He will never be forgotten by those he taught, many of whom have made careers out of the skills learnt in his presence.

"Alan will always be a part of the Media School and will be sorely missed."

Alan's funeral takes place at Bournemouth Crematorium from 10.30am on August 17.