With an impressive professional career that spanned academia and industry Dr Earl was well liked and respected by colleagues throughout the panel products industry.
Gaining his PhD at Bangor University, Dr Earl started his wood science career by establishing the forerunner of the BioComposites Centre, Wood Tec.
Here Dr Earl worked with companies to develop novel technologies for timber treatments and groundbreaking work was undertaken including early studies into the acetylation of wood fibre.
Leaving Bangor Dr Earl held senior technical positions for companies throughout the UK including Norbord and Sonae.
He will be fondly remembered for the generous help and support he always gave when asked by colleagues.
