Ken was a popular lecturer and research supervisor in Chemistry at Exeter from 1967 until his retirement in 2003. He was awarded his MBE in 2000 for services to Higher Education, in recognition of his school liaison work and his memorable (and occasionally explosive!) public lectures.
For many years, Ken was a Resident Warden at Birks Halls, and is fondly and gratefully remembered for this by many Birks alumni. He was also a mentor, teacher and pastor to generations of Christian students, a Methodist preacher invited to speak at chapels and conferences across the country, a dedicated gardener and a keen cricketer, playing for any team that requested his help, from the Exeter Cricket Club to the Chemistry department’s team.
We are hoping to fund the planting and nurture of a tree at Birks Arboretum in Ken’s memory, close to the (in)famous Cardiac Hill. The tree will be a Copper Beech, appropriate for Ken not only because it is named after a chemical element but also because it will provide a striking colour contrast to the otherwise largely-green of the Birks Arboretum, in the same way that Ken’s teaching (both chemical and spiritual), friendship and example brought colour and inspiration to our lives.
Our fundraising target is £200. Any surplus funds raised will be donated to the Alumni Annual Fund, supporting student-led projects across the University.
When making a donation, we kindly ask that you make it as an individual, to enable the university to claim Gift Aid on your donation.
