Earthwatch Institute Australia mourns the passing of its friend, founding member and Patron, Sir Laurence Muir. In 1982 Sir Laurence helped to bring the citizen science mission of Earthwatch Institute to Australia. Along with fellow founding members Sir John Crawford, Professor Sir Rutherford Robertson and Sir James Vernon, Sir Laurence was one of the “four knights of Earthwatch” and was its longest serving member. He remained active in Earthwatch until his death, serving as a founding member from 1982 to 1995 and as Patron from 1995 until 2010. Sir Laurence was a true gentleman, who was always gracious and generous with advice and support. He played a very important role for the organisation when it first moved to Melbourne in 1992, making introductions to a number of people who were able to provide practical and financial support. But more importantly, he would pop in from time to time, just to see how the team was getting on and to lend his moral support for whatever issue was on the agenda at the time. He was passionate about the educational role of Earthwatch. He was enthusiastic about the interest and initiative shown by young people. Generous in his praise and support and yet focussed in terms of what the challenges were for the organisation, he truly provided governance and direction for many years, but always with a light touch. He will be missed.