In memory of Roy Bullard: Co-founder and former Editor of Deposits magazine

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Roy Bullard, who died on the 14th of May 2025 after a long and courageous battle with health issues.

Roy was the joint founder and former editor of Deposits magazine, a publication he helped launch with Alister Cruickshanks in 2004. Together, they built a platform that became a valued voice in the geological and palaeontological communities—one that welcomed contributions from professional academics, undergraduate students, and dedicated amateurs alike. Roy retired from Deposits and its parent company UKGE in 2016 due to health reasons, but his legacy and influence have remained ever-present.

A passionate and tireless editor, Roy had a rare gift for connecting with people. He maintained close contact with authors from across the globe, frequently engaging in conversations with contributors from every walk of life.

Roy always championed the inclusion of high-quality articles, often going above and beyond to encourage new authors and ensure their work found its way into print. His care and commitment were instrumental in shaping the reputation of Deposits.

Many contributors would have regularly spoken to Roy, some visiting in person to discuss articles. One particularly memorable call was with Sir David Attenborough, a deposits subscriber who phoned to order specimen boxes for his amber collection and discuss the magazine – an interaction Roy spoke of fondly for many years.

We at UKGE and Deposits magazine extend our heartfelt condolences to Roy’s family and friends. We also want to acknowledge the lasting impact he had on so many of us in the scientific and collector communities. He will be deeply missed.

Alister Cruickshanks

(Co-founder and Technical Controller)