(1908-1989)
E
J Sonenberg joined the staff of the University in 1922, directly from
Carlton State School at the age of 14, to work with Alfred Ewart in
Baldwin Spencer's Biology School as a junior technical assistant.
Current and former staff, speaking of him with admiration and affection,
refer to him as 'Sony' but always called him 'Mr Sonenberg' to his face.
When he retired in 1973, Sonenberg had been for many years the assistant
to the Keeper of the University of Melbourne Herbarium in the School
of Botany. The Herbarium was established in 1926, following the presentation
of a considerable collection of predominantly Victorian plant specimens
by Herman Montague Rucker Rupp (1872-1956), a clergyman graduate in
natural science and accomplished botanist. Some of the 100,000 or more
specimens currently held in the collection date from the 1850s and it
includes all major plant groups. It is an important aid to the identification
of plants in the field.
Sonenberg collected specimens for practical classes so assiduously
that long after his retirement students were still using materials he
had amassed. Many of these are from the inner suburbs of Melbourne,
documenting weeds in particular. He had an exceptional memory and his
knowledge of the flora of Victoria, including exotics and poisonous
plants, made him well-known and respected throughout the University.
His services were frequently called upon by various government authorities
such as the Police and by the general public as well as by the Faculties
of Agriculture and Veterinary Science.
Sonenberg is remembered by scientists throughout the University for
extraordinary diligence - always present at 8.00am and frequently the
last to leave - his kindness to people in distress and his ill-humour
on Monday mornings if his beloved Carlton had lost the previous Saturday's
football match.
A modest and self-effacing man, Sonenberg refused to accept an honorary
BSc on the grounds that he was merely 'blessed with a retentive memory.'
