CQU has expressed sadness over news this week of the death of a key founder, Greig Turner.

Greig was not only among a select group of people who advocated for a Rockhampton-based tertiary institution in the 1950s. He also helped with the institution's birth and fledgling years, before following its growth into middle age (2007 is our 40th anniversary).

Greig Turner was a scientist (an expert on the physiology of milk secretion in dairy cattle) who came to Rockhampton in 1954 to establish and lead the CSIRO's Cattle Research Laboratory, the forerunner of the Tropical Cattle Research Centre (now known as the JM Rendel Laboratory).

After arriving in Rockhampton, Greig became a pillar of the Central Queensland University Development Association (UDA), which was formed in 1958 and held its first public meeting in 1959. As well as being a founding UDA member, he became Deputy Chairman.

The UDA efforts lead to the creation of CQU's forerunner, the Queensland Institute of Technology, Capricornia, in 1967.

Greig continued his advocacy and support for the institution as a long-serving member of its Council (1971 to 1987). During this period he was a chairman and member of various committees of Council, as well as being Deputy Chairman of Council.

In recognition of his distinguished service, Greig was made a Fellow of the Capricornia Institute of Advanced Education in 1987.

Meanwhile, Greig's wife Yvonne was a keen volunteer in the area of protocol for major events. In retirement, both Greig and Yvonne continued to be regular attendees at major University events.

CQU's Rockhampton Campus science headquarters building was named the Greig Turner building and, in 1991, the then University College of Central Queensland admitted Greig to the degree of Honorary Doctor of Science.

The degree citation recognised Greig's long and distinguished association with CQU and with the development of science in Central Queensland.