Secretariat
Obituary: Mr William Henry (Harry) Trickett
Members will be very sorry to learn of the death of Mr W H (Harry) Trickett, Life Fellow of the University, on 16 July 2003.
Born in Leeds in 1916, Mr Trickett graduated from the University in Mathematics in 1938 and took the Diploma in Education in 1939. He taught briefly in Birmingham before joining the Royal Air Force in 1940. Commissioned in the Technical (Signals) Branch, he served in North Africa and southern Europe, ultimately becoming Deputy Chief Signals Officer, Desert Air Force, with the rank of Squadron Leader, and being mentioned in despatches. Demobilised in 1946, Mr Trickett took up a lecturing post in mathematics at the Leeds College of Technology, where he taught for the next ten years. During this time, he enrolled as a part-time research student at the University and, in 1955, was awarded the MSc in statistics with distinction. He joined the staff of the University in 1956, on appointment as a Lecturer in Statistics in the then Department of Mathematics.
A genial and kind personality, Harry Trickett rapidly established himself as an extremely popular and respected colleague. One of only a handful of staff teaching statistics, he was regarded as an excellent lecturer and tutor. His statistical expertise was also much sought after in other parts of the University; he undertook a considerable amount of consultative work for a variety of departments. A capable and efficient administrator, he carried out a wide range of responsibilities within the Department of Statistics and the School of Mathematics throughout his career, including serving as Deputy Chairman of the School from 1976 to 1980. Mr Trickett, who was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 1963, also played a prominent part within the wider University. He was Dean of the Faculty of Science from 1965 to 1967 and a member of a host of University bodies, including the Court, Council and the Senate and committees covering the full spectrum of University activities. To each of these he contributed much.
Harry Tricketts manifest affection for the University was demonstrated in a number of ways. He played a leading part in helping to revive the Old Students Association after the war and served as the Joint Honorary Secretary of the West Riding Branch from 1950 to 1954 and from 1957 to 1958. He was also a major figure within Convocation. Elected a member of the Standing Committee in 1953, he served as Clerk from 1960 to 1966 and as Chairman from 1971 to 1974. He represented Convocation on Court (1962-67 and 1974-78) and Council (1967-71 and 1978-81). Reflecting his interest in, and empathy with, students and their welfare, Mr Trickett was associated with Charles Morris Hall from its inception, serving as the Warden of Whetton House from 1965 to 1981. Writing in the University Review at the time of Mr Tricketts retirement, his friend and contemporary, Mr Jack Hartley, commented that, as Warden, he became known to hundreds of students; making himself available on most evenings in the communal areas of the Hall, he was to many a wise friend and counsellor.
Harry Trickett retired from his University post in 1981, at which time the title of Life Fellow was conferred upon him in recognition of his extensive and distinguished contributions to the life and work of the University as a whole. He was also made an Honorary Lecturer in the Department of Statistics and, in retirement, maintained a close interest in, and involvement with, departmental affairs.
The funeral will be held at 1.40pm on Thursday 24 July 2003 at Lawnswood Crematorium, Otley Road, Leeds 16. By request, family flowers only please. Donations in lieu may be sent to U Ward, Seacroft Hospital, York Road, Leeds, LS14 6UH.
The flag on the Parkinson Tower will be flown at half-mast on the day of the funeral, as a mark of respect.
Published: 21 July 2003