Chris Reynolds Born 23 March 1938 in Hertfordshire. Brought up in Somerset &
Devon; Six schools attended before age of 13. Dartington Hall School, Totnes, Devon
1952-56 (very progressive and unconventional). University College London 1956-1959 –
BSc in Chemistry. Exeter University 1959-1962 – PhD in Theoretical Organic
Chemistry. After starting a career as an Information Officer at a public institution decided
on a career move – for a higher salary – with Shell-Mex & PB in 1965 as a programmer
working on their LEO III computer, but joined EELM as a Systems analyst/ sales
consultant in 1967.. Worked on a number of projects but became dissatisfied with the way
applications were described. He proposed the development of a language (first named
DORIS later extended and renamed CODIL) designed for users being able to define their
own systems and interested the LEO management in its development. Joined Pinkerton’s
team in Minerva Road for further work on his notions. Despite progress EELM did not
take the ideas further and in 1970 Chris left, first for a job with Plessey as a systems
analyst and then in 1971 joined Brunel University to start an academic career, finishing in
1988 with the title Reader. Much of his research was focused on the development of
CODIL resulting in a spate of Conference presentations and Journal articles. Ill health and
poor relations with new head of department led to early retirement followed by some
lecturing at De Montford University and much local history work in Hertfordshire , but
also some further work on CODIL. Active member of LEO Computers Society . See
https://www.dropbox.com/s/jt6vmfovwjumamm/Chris%20Reynolds%20Career%20History.docx?dl=0
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