Emeritus Professor Laing taught us Genetics (his specialty) and Biometry. He had mastery over both courses and one got the impression that he could not understand why students did not perform well. I remember whenever he returned our marked Biometry quizzes, he would look at one who has failed so sternly that one was forced to say lamely "I'll do better in the next quiz".

He was a brilliant scholar and this was evident when he gave his inaugural lecture on becoming a fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences. The content, delivery, his articulation and timing were just brilliant. That evening I was very proud to be his student.

Prof. Laing was the only senior member I knew who after working hard to "knock some Genetics or Biometry into our heads" will insist we join him for drinks during lunch break.

He had a set of principles he adhered to. I remember he was Head of Department when the late General Kutu Acheampong instituted the National Service Scheme. I had then started my post-graduate work and saw my name in the Daily Graphic indicating that I had been posted to Prempeh College and I went to see him asking what to do. His response was that the University did not take instructions from newspapers and could I imagine the chaos the University would be in if it did so that was the end of my Prempeh College episode.

Another admirable quality about Prof. Laing was his accurate remembrance of names and faces. He only had to meet a person once and the next time he would call you by name.

Whenever we met in the corridor of the department he would ask "is that Carol?", and when I responded in the affirmative, he would practice a few Ga sentences on me.

Prof., You are sorely missed, I just thank GOD I met you, a brilliant, confident and dependable teacher and icon.

Goodnight Prof., Rest in Peace.