Tribute to Keith Nicholson

17 June 2009

Professor Les Lancaster writes:

Keith initially came into Psychology some twenty years ago as a student following his career with BT. Those of us who knew him back then appreciated his questing and determined approach. On graduating he found his niche as a valued technician in Psychology, rapidly rising to the senior post he occupied until his untimely death.

Keith brought professionalism with a personal touch to his work. He took pride in maximising the potential of equipment (the ‘kit’, as he called it), clearly enjoying the challenge of finding innovative ways to meet the needs of staff and students alike. I recall him sitting patiently with students, trying to translate their sometimes rather unfocused ideas for measuring an aspect of behaviour into practicality.

Keith was not one to be defeated by the seeming limitations in manuals; he was a ‘can do, will do’ kind of person (‘I’m not going to be beaten by this bag o’wires,’ was one of his more eloquent phrases – the ‘bag o’wires being some sophisticated computer controlled equipment, for example!).

Characteristic of Keith was his insistence on turning up for work even when his illness had been diagnosed; and he repeatedly told us that he’d be back – retirement on health grounds wasn’t his way. Sadly, his return wasn’t to be.

But more than for his competence in the job, it was as a somewhat ‘larger-than-life’ human being that those who knew him well will remember Keith. Adventure was the stuff of his life, whether it was as a rock musician from the 60s (bass guitar was his forte) or as a traveller to challenging environments (South America, China, Tibet, Transylvania… and that’s just over recent years!). And the stories he would tell …. Yet for all the bravado, he was compassionate and empathic. The kind of person with whom conversations could take many turns, but always would be rewarding. Give Keith time … and he gave you enjoyment and food for thought. He was one who was good to have around.

The measure of Keith is evident to anyone who comes into the technicians’ area in the Henry Cotton Building. There is simply something irreplaceable missing. He was held in such high regard by all those who worked in his team, by those who knew him best.

Keith was a man of integrity and boundless humour, one who understood that a life without challenge and exploration is hardly a life. He will be deeply missed by those of us who knew him well. We send our condolences to his partner, Karen, to whom Keith was devoted.