It leader richard orna dies at 40 after brain tumor battle

Bristol IT manager Richard Orna, 40, has died after a battle with a grade-4 brain tumor. Orna, a respected figure in the technology sector, spent his final years advocating for increased research into brain tumors, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and personal warmth.

Inspiring leader and advocate

Orna's career spanned from administrative roles at Bristol City Council to senior positions at Bristol Water and Bristol Energy, culminating in a headhunter-led move to Callisto, a subsidiary of M Group, in 2021. He was instrumental in securing IT infrastructure for the company’s smart meters, ensuring the delivery of half-hourly readings. A pivotal moment in his career was overseeing the acquisition of a rival IT firm, boosting Callisto’s product security.

But colleagues remember Orna for more than just his technical acumen. He possessed a genuine talent for identifying and nurturing talent within his teams, fostering an environment where individuals felt empowered to contribute their strengths. “He had a way of seeing potential in everyone,” said a former colleague.

Born in north London, Orna was a lifelong Arsenal supporter. He met his wife, Maja Buchwald, a biomedical scientist, through a houseshare, and they married in Wrocław, Poland, in 2013. The diagnosis of his grade-4 brain tumor in 2022 dramatically altered their trajectory, yet they faced the challenges with remarkable positivity. Orna became a vocal advocate, sharing his experiences on BBC Radio 5 and lobbying his MP for greater research funding. His family, friends, and colleagues rallied around him, organizing fundraising events, including a sponsored yoga month and a football tournament dubbed the “Orna shield”.

He is survived by his wife, Maja, his mother, Jonathan Orna, and his siblings, Henry and Sally. The outpouring of support following his death speaks volumes about the profound impact he had on those around him.