Emeritus Professor John Keats passed away on 1 January 2008; he was 86 years old. John was appointed Foundation Professor of Psychology in 1965 and retired in 1986.

John Keats (center) and Daphne Keats (right) lined up for the official group photo, IACCP Yogyakarta Congress, 2002.

Together with Daphne Keats, John was a passionate supporter of our University, Psychology, and international relations especially with China.

As a Professor and an Emeritus Professor, John gave unyielding support to and expected great things from the University, and he advocated for it nationally and internationally. John's impact on the discipline of Psychology throughout the world was outstanding and he received multiple awards and much recognition for his own work in mathematical psychology. Together with Daphne, John also contributed greatly to academic knowledge in cross-cultural psychology as well as to scientific and professional links with colleagues in China for over 30 years.

John's funeral will be held on Tuesday, 8 January, at 11:30 am at the Pettigrew Chapel, Harris Street, Wallsend.

The University will hold a celebration of John's life and work in early February.

Kevin McConkey
Acting Vice-Chancellor