Former Pro Vice-Chancellor dies abroad

THE University has received the sad news of the death of former Pro-Vice Chancellor Reverend Dr David Kirby, whilst on holiday abroad.

David worked at the Polytechnic, and then the University of Huddersfield, from 1970 to 1997.

He was educated locally and at the universities of Durham and Newcastle and joined the Polytechnic of Huddersfield as Lecturer in Geography, where he helped develop an Honours Degree in Humanities.  It was the forerunner of Degree courses in Geography, History, Politics and English.  As Head of Department of Geography, he built a group of staff who excelled in teaching and research.

David subsequently became Dean of the Faculty of Humanities before being appointed as Pro Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs in 1989.  In all these roles, he was a dynamic and popular leader.  Together with his fellow Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Fen Arthur, he helped steer the University after 1992 through a period of considerable change.  In 1997, he took early retirement after a short illness.

While at the University, he took Holy Orders and became non-stipendiary Curate of St Barnabas Church in Huddersfield.  He had an active retirement as a clergyman in Portugal, France and West Yorkshire.  In both his academic and Church careers he was much liked and respected.