Didier Chanat (1959-2007)

We deeply regret to announce the death of Mr Didier CHANAT on 05.09.2007.

Mr Didier CHANAT, born on 27.05.1959, worked in the AT Department and had been employed at CERN since 01.06.1992.

The Director-General has sent his family a message of condolence on behalf of the CERN staff.

Tribute to Didier Chanat

With a higher technical diploma and a specialisation in electrical engineering, Didier began his professional life at the CEA (France) in 1986.

From then until 1990 he took part in developing control and supervision systems for the various Tore Supra tokamak systems at Cadarache, then in operating and upgrading the entire machine.

From 1990 to 1992, Didier was a member of the Tore Supra Cryogenics Group, where he was responsible for operating and maintaining the cryogenic system. It was at this time that he developed an interest in cryogenics which was to remain the linchpin of the rest of his career.

In 1992, Didier joined the Cryogenics Group of CERN’s Accelerator Technology Division (AT-CR) where he took part in the commissioning and operation of the LEP and subsequently of the LHC refrigerators. Building on his competence and the experience he had acquired during LEP operation, Didier contributed to the commissioning of the first two LHC refrigerators which were successfully used to test magnets in SM18 and sector 7-8 of the LHC. He successfully trained and guided his young colleagues, transmitting to them the know-how he had acquired over the years.

Over all these years, with his knowledge and his fine analytical skills, Didier was a reference for all his colleagues. Many are those to whom he imparted the subtleties of refrigeration. He successfully dealt with the most critical situations with his characteristic calmness.

It was with deep sadness that his colleagues and friends learnt that Didier, who courageously fought a long and cruel illness, had passed away. The composure and the passion which he was able to bring to his field of activity, where the pressure is often considerable, will remain an example to all his colleagues.

His colleagues and friends in AT Department