Roddy Meagher AO QC, one of Australia’s great legal minds and the first Chairman of Sculpture by the Sea Incorporated (2003-2005), passed away over the weekend. Known as a brilliant eccentric Roddy had an extraordinary art collection that enlivened his chambers as a barrister and later the corridors of the NSW Court of Appeal Chambers. Several years ago, after he retired from the Bench Roddy donated the collection to the University of Sydney.

Internationally Roddy was perhaps best known for his co-authorship of the important legal textbook ‘Meagher Gummow & Lehane’s Equity: Doctrine’s and Remedies’. A brilliant writer he managed to insert flashes of humour into this difficult area of the law. A favourite example that brought more than a smile to this law student’s face was when Roddy described the hard rock band ‘The Troggs’ as soi-disant musicians when they were parties to an important case (‘soi disant’ means ‘so-called’ or ‘self-styled’).

To Roddy’s friends and family we send our best wishes at this time. To Roddy, thank you for helping us in our formative years!