His name and reputation will live on for many years in the minds of those who knew him in several of his many diverse roles at the University of Kent. John took his first degree at the London School of Economics before being appointed to the Department or, as it was then, Board of Studies in Economic and Social History at Kent, in 1968. Here he took special responsibility for the promotion of local and regional history, especially of Kent.
Over the years John published scores of contributions in this field, not least in the periodical Cantium which he edited from 1970-74. These were to culminate recently in his masterful section (with Robin Craig) ‘Kent and the Sea’ in The Economy of Kent, 1640-1914, published in 1995. Many students have followed in his footsteps, buoyed up by his patient and always generous support.
John’s contribution as a teacher and researcher was accompanied by his dependability and good humour as an academic colleague. As well, he was an energetic and loyal supporter of the college system. He served as Deputy Master of Rutherford College for many years and aptly as the last Master before the demise of that office.
He retired from university life in 2001 and four years later joined his beloved brother Colin in Almeria from where they enjoyed together exploring Spain by train and car and the wine and food of different regions of the country as well as engaging in many other cultural activities, especially music.