Elie Menant (1927-2007)

We were deeply saddened to hear of the death of our former colleague and friend, Elie Menant, at Collonge-Bellerive, on 17 August, in his 80th year.

Formerly of the French National Geographic Institute, for which he had conducted many geodesic surveys throughout France, Elie came to CERN in 1962, joining the team of surveyors led by Jean Gervaise in AR Division. Elie was involved in the PS, ISR, SPS and LEP projects and made a substantial contribution to the development of the group’s alignment techniques. Among the highlights of a richly creative career, we particularly recall his essential contributions to the implementation of the first computer software for the adjustment of major geodesic networks, to new computer-assisted calculation techniques, to the design of the alignment method for the ISR ring and the associated beam transfer lines, as well as his work on the site studies for the 300 GeV project. Last, but not least, his instinct for large-dimension metrology was of major assistance to the LEP experiments.

He had a passion for the arts and spent his spare time listening to music, reading and visiting museums. Whenever possible on his travels, he would never miss an opportunity to visit collections of paintings .

He will be remembered as a cultured, creative and dynamic man, devoted to his work and his friends, and whose curiosity knew no bounds.

We offer our sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy to his wife and daughter.