Obituaries and tributes
Douglas R Urquhart
We have learnt, with great regret, of the death of Leicester alumnus Douglas R Urquhart (Law LLB, 1985). Douglas was a generous supporter of the University and had sat as a member on the American Friends of the University of Leicester Board since its creation in 2018.
Since graduating from Leicester, Douglas had worked as a solicitor at Allen & Overy in London before relocating to the US, where he worked as an attorney and partner at Weil Gotshal in New York.
Professor Lai Oso
We have learnt, with great regret, of the death of Leicester alumnus Professor Muraino Olayiwola Oso, who was better known as Professor Lai Oso. Professor Oso passed away aged 67 following a car accident on Saturday 24 June 2023.
Professor Oso was granted a Federal Government scholarship and graduated from University of Leicester with a PhD degree in Mass Communications in 1979. He was a Professor at Lagos State University and taught courses in Journalism, Media and Governance, Political Communication and Development Communication and Theory. As well as working as a reporter throughout Nigeria, Professor Oso was also a key member of the Nigeria Alumni Chapter.
Thomas Mackillop
We have learnt, with great regret, of the death of Leicester alumnus Thomas Mackillop. Thomas graduated from the University of Leicester with a Law LLB in 1979.
Read more about Thomas Mackillop.
Dr Peter Richards
We have learnt, with regret, of the death of Leicester alumnus Dr Peter Richards. Dr Richards graduated from the University of Leicester with a Geography BA in 1950 and Educational Studies Diploma in 1951.
Read more about Dr Peter Richards.
Malcolm Hooper
We have learnt, with regret, of the death of Leicester alumnus Malcolm Hooper.
Read more about Malcolm Hooper.
Professor Clyde Chitty
We have learnt, with great regret, of the death of Leicester alumnus Professor Clyde Chitty (BA History)
Professor Clyde Chitty had a teaching career that was largely spent in Leicestershire before taking up a lecturing post at Goldsmiths College, University of London, becoming a Professor of Education there. He was a prolific author of articles and books on education.
The funeral will take place in London at Beckenham Crematorium on 1 December at 1.15pm.
Anthony Everson
We have learnt, with great regret, of the death of Leicester alumnus Anthony Everson who died on Tuesday October 18 2022, aged 76, after suffering several years of ill health due to Parkinson's and dementia. Anthony studied in the School of Education for the MEd in the academic year 1983-84.
Sydney Simango
We have learnt, with regret, of the death of alumnus Sydney Simango. Sydney graduated with a Masters degree in Geology in 1987.
John Sargent
We have learnt, with regret, of the death of alumnus and supporter John Sargent, who graduated with a Biological Sciences BSc in 1955 and a Botany PhD in 1957.
Emeritus Professor Eric Dunning
It was with great sadness that the University has learned of the death of Emeritus Professor Eric Dunning. Eric was a pioneer in the sociology of sport and the founder, with Patrick Murphy and John Williams, of the Sir Norman Chester Centre for Football Research.
Find out more about Professor Eric Dunning.
Vikki Orvice
We have learnt with deep regret of the sad passing of eminent sports journalist and Leicester alumna Vikki Orvice (BA English, 1984). Vikki passed away after a long battle with cancer at the age of 56.
Learn more about Vikki Orvice.
Ken Ford
We have learned with deep regret of the death of acclaimed artist, sculptor and academic Ken Ford. Ken was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University in 2010 for his contribution to the artistic life of Leicestershire and the UK.
Wilf Dillon
We have learnt, with regret, of the death of alumnus Wilf Dillon. Wilf graduated in 1973 with a BA (Hons) Sociology. Wilf served as president of the SU between 1971 - 1972.
William Bootle
We have learnt, with regret, of the death of William Bootle on June 22, 2017. William gained a Diploma of Education from our University and was the President of the Student Union from 1951 - 1952.
More about William Bootle (PDF, 199kb).
Remembered for his ‘quiet confidence’, integrity and friendship, Alumnus Sam Owori
Content provided by Rotary International. Written by Ryan Hyland and Abby Breitstein, re-purposed by Taylor Crosby (University of Leicester).
Leicester remembers honorary graduate Tim Pigott-Smith
The prominent actor was educated in the city and honoured by the University.
Find out more about Tim Pigott-Smith.
In Memory of Margaret Mallett
Margaret joined the Association's English 4-11 Editorial Board in 1999 after speaking at the Association's Primary Conference in York in March 1988 - Non-fiction: the Cinderella of children's books? She was elected a Fellow of the Association in 2005 and served as a member of the Association's Fellowship Committee until 2016. Margaret was also the co-founder, with Fellow Eve Bearne, of the Association's very successful Children's Literature Interest Group.
An inspiring teacher and author, Margaret's books include Choosing and Using Fiction and Non-Fiction 3-11: A Comprehensive Guide for Teachers and Student Teachers (winner of the 2011 UKLA Academic Book Award), The Primary English Encyclopedia: The heart of the curriculum and Early Years Non-Fiction: A Guide to Helping Young Researchers Use and Enjoy Information Texts.
Margaret was also a regular contributor to Books for Keeps - the online children's books magazine - where you can see an impressive catalogue of her articles and reviews.
Crime writer and creator of Inspector Morse dies
University pays tribute to honorary graduate Colin Dexter.
More about writer and creator Colin.
Mike Fentiman
We have learnt, with regret, of the death of Mike Fentiman on 22 February. He was an English student at the University of Leicester who would go on to become a successful television producer and writer, championing the idea of ‘community programming’.
Matthew Lanyon
We have learnt, with regret, of the death of alumnus Matthew Lanyon. Matthew passed away on 6 November, 2016. He was 65. Matthew graduated in 1972 with a Bsc (Hons) Geology with Biology and Biochemistry.
Find out more about Mathew Lanyon.
Professor Andy Furlong - Tribute
Tributes have been paid to a Leicester graduate who was renowned in the field of youth studies in the UK and beyond.
Explore our tribute to Professor Andy Furlong.
Dr Mark Sims
We have learned, with regret, of the death of University of Leicester alumnus Dr Mark Sims. Mark passed away surrounded by his family and fiancée, on 19 January 2017. He was 28.
Learn more about Dr Mark Sims.
Dame Frances Patterson OBE
We have learnt, with great regret, of the death of graduate and honorary graduate Frances Patterson.
Michael Nicholson OBE
We have learnt, with regret, of the death of Michael Nicholson on 11 December. Michael was a television journalist who studied at the University of Leicester.