In memory of our Fellows
Our Fellows have contributed extensively to the rich Australian humanities community. When an Academy Fellow dies, we honour their impact by publishing an obituary by another Fellow who has had a long and close association with them.
Foundation Fellow, Francis J West, was an internationally renowned historian of Norman rule in England, and later, of Pacific colonial regimes, as well as one of the early formative figures of Deakin University and the Australian Academy of the Humanities. Professor Peter Stanley FAHA acknowledges his significant contribution to humanities scholarship, with support from Francis’s family, colleagues and friends. Read a PDF version here.
The Australian Academy of the Humanities acknowledges, with deep sadness, the death of Emeritus Professor Keith Campbell FAHA. Elected to the Academy in 1977, Keith was a pioneer in Australian philosophy. He was a leading figure in metaphysics, defending, inter alia, materialism and trope theory. His obituary has been prepared by his daughter Helen Campbell with assistance from Professor John Heil FAHA. Download the PDF version here.
The Australian Academy of the Humanities acknowledges, with deep sadness, the death of Professor Emerita Margaret Manion AO FAHA.
Emeritus Professor Donald Denoon FAHA was a highly respected scholar of African, Pacific, Australian, and comparative colonial histories. Bronwen Douglas FAHA reflects on his life and legacy. Download a PDF version here.
A distinguished cultural historian, actor, respected teacher, writer, and generous supporter of the arts, the death of Professor John Rickard FAHA is a significant loss to Australia’s cultural and academic landscape. Professor Graeme Davison AO FAHA FASSA reflects on John Rickard’s legacy in this poignant obituary. Download a PDF version here.
Professor Trevor Burnard FAHA was a highly distinguished and internationally acclaimed scholar of the history of slavery, was considered a global academic citizen, a dear colleague and mentor. Professor Joy Damousi AM FAHA FASSA reflects on his incomparable legacy. Download a PDF version here.
The Australian Academy of the Humanities acknowledges, with deep sadness, the death of Professor Bill Rubinstein OAM FAHA.
A gifted scholar of Greek epigraphy, a committed Sinophile, and Vice Chancellor of La Trobe University, the death of Professor Michael Osborne FAHA is a deep loss to Australian humanities, writes Professor Tim Murray FAHA. Read a PDF version here.
Emeritus Professor David Tunley AM FAHA Chevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques was an influential and beloved music scholar, a significant composer, teacher, choral conductor and music administrator. Professor Kerry Murphy FAHA reflects on his life and legacy. Download the PDF version here.
Emeritus Professor Alan Frost FAHA FRHistS was one of Australia’s foremost historians of the origins and early history of Australia as a European settlement, with a particular focus on maritime history. John Gascoigne FAHA reflects on his contribution to the field of Australian history. Download a PDF version here.
Professor Michael Stocker FAHA was one of the most significant scholars concerned with ethics, moral psychology and the emotions in the latter part of last century. Born in the United States of America, he held positions at La Trobe and Macquarie University before returning to America. He held the Irwin and Marjorie Guttag Chair of Moral and Political Philosophy at Syracuse from 1989 until his retirement. Read a PDF version here.
A scholar of Chinese Studies, Mark Elvin FAHA was a highly respected scholar and author of ‘The Pattern of the Chinese Past’ which is deemed as a foremost publication of pre-modern China. Professor Antonia Finnane FAHA (University of Melbourne) reflects on Professor Elvin’s life, legacy and contribution to the field of China Studies. Download a PDF version.