Trinity College’s flag today flew at half-mast to mark the passing of fellow Sir John Bradfield last night.

Sir John died at Great Gate on the evening of the 13th October after collapsing on his way to a dinner. Ambulances and a police car were later seen outside Trinity College.

Sir John was born in 1925 and educated at the Cambridge and County High School for Boys, now Hills Road Sixth Form College.

He was a fellow of Trinity from 1947, and was appointed Senior Bursar from 1956 to 1992. In 1970 he spearheaded the foundation and development of the Cambridge Science Park, becoming the founder of the first European Science Park.

From 1993 to 1997 Sir John was appointed Chairman of Addenbrookes’ NHS Trust. He remained “active” in Trinity life until his death and was also an honorary fellow of Darwin College.

Sir John was awarded a knighthood in 2007 in recognition of his services to science and business in Cambridge.

Trinity, in a statement released today “with great sadness”, applauded that “many of the things we now take for granted in Cambridge can be traced back to his inspiration”.

Sir John leaves a widow and one son. Letters may be left at Trinity porters’ lodge, with funeral details to be announced.