Anton Pizzutu writes:
I first met Albert way back in 1965. I had just joined the laboratory staff of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery and had been assigned to the Pathology Department at St Luke's Hospital. Albert had just successfully finished his studies in the UK for the Associateship of the Institute of Medical LaboratoryTechnology (now Institute of Biomedical Sciences). In fact he was the first Maltese to gain membership in this highly prestigious Institution.

Albert was a soft spoken gentleman who managed the laboratory staff members (a mixture of government and university employees) with tact and professionalism. He oversaw the transition from the traditional laborious manual analytical techniques to the more automated methods that were coming on line in the practice of Laboratory Medicine.

In 1972 (when I returned from my own studies in the UK) we collaborated closely to set up the first National Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology which was the forerunner of today's BSc in Biomedical Sciences awarded by the University of Malta.

Mr Saunders, as he was affectionately called by all and sundry, was a member of the St Luke's hospital management committee and other government committees where he served with distinction.

He was a pioneer in fostering professionalism among the laboratory technical staff. He spent most of his retired years at his summer residence in St Paul's Bay enjoying fishing, the outdoor life and family visits, especially his grandchildren who were his pride and joy.

Although I had left the Pathology Department before he had retired we remained firm friends although meetings were not very frequent. I visited him last at Mater Dei Hospital a few days before he was discharged and his subsequent demise. We spent time reminiscing about old times and how laboratory science had progressed since our time. We even talked about meeting again at his home but it was not to be - the Good Lord called before I did.

Farewell good friend, may your memory inspire others practicing laboratory medicine to strive to continue upholding the professional standards you so believed in.

To his wife Valentine and daughters Agnes (a medical laboratory scientist), Patricia and Margaret and their families, we offer our heartfelt condolences.