Dr Ron Haylock 1944 – 2013

Professor David Greenaway, Vice-Chancellor, said: “Ron was a truly remarkable person. His interest and tireless enthusiasm for the University of Nottingham knew no bounds.

“From his time as a student in the 1960’s, through to his role as President of Council and beyond, he was a passionate supporter of our University. He had a decisive role in creating the University we know today, and the impact of his expertise endures. He was universally liked and respected.

“On a personal level, I feel honoured to have known him and worked with him for the past 20 years, and I will miss him greatly.”

In his student days, Dr Haylock immersed himself in the University community and began a lifelong passion for music and the arts. He worked tirelessly to develop the student community through the Students’ Union. He was a keen participant in amateur dramatics at the University and was a member of the Nottingham University Revue Group, which formed in 1966, performed numerous shows on and off campus and took two revues to the Edinburgh Festival in 1967 and 1968.

As President of Council his period in office oversaw dramatic growth in student numbers, the planning and construction of a new campus in Nottingham and a commitment to the development of two overseas campuses in Malaysia and China.

John Mills, the current President of University Council: “Ron was a man whose advice you sought and company you enjoyed. The role he played in the development of the University of Nottingham will always stand proud. Students and Alumni will do well to follow his lead in ensuring others continue to benefit from a University that was such an important part of his life.”

As a member of the Campaign Leadership Board, Dr Haylock played a key role in the University’s Golden Jubilee Campaign and had been a member of the Campaign Board for the University’s current Impact campaign.

He was a major benefactor to the University over a 20-year period; the boardroom in the Nottingham University Business School being named The Haylock Room in his honour. The University Arts Centre and scholarships in the School of Geography also received his philanthropic support and he was admitted to the University’s College of Benefactors in 2006.

Kate Robertson, Director of the University’s Campaign and Alumni Relations Office, said: “Ron could not have been more helpful and encouraging in guiding the way in which our alumni and donors could enjoy a lifelong association with the University.

“He had a lasting commitment and support for Sherwood Hall and for student life more generally. His enthusiasm and energy for promoting his alma mater in so many ways will be a great loss to the Nottingham family.”

Dr Haylock’s business career also began at the University. In 1968, the then University Registrar asked him to find someone who might co-ordinate study abroad visits to Nottingham. This resulted in him joining the British Student Travel Centre as its Marketing Director, a role which equipped him with the skills for a lifelong career in the travel and tourism industry.

In that career he held various positions including Group Managing Director of Resort Condominiums International, Chairman of Hoseasons Holidays, Chairman of Kirker Holidays and Chairman of the Council for Fauna & Flora International.

As Group MD of RCI Europe he turned a struggling European operation with a handful of employees into a highly successful organisation with a turnover of £110 million and a workforce of 1,200.

He was also Vice-Chairman of Christel House, a charity established by his friend Christel DeHaan, another Honorary Graduate of Nottingham and co-founder of RCI. The organisation aims to help orphaned, abandoned and disadvantaged children in developing countries realise their full potential and become self-sufficient by providing education, nutrition, health care and a nurturing environment.

He also had a passion for woodlands and, in his capacity as a recently-appointed ambassador for the Woodlands Trust, he joined staff, students and members of the community in helping the Vice-Chancellor plant up the University’s Diamond Wood at Sutton Bonington last December.

It was with deep regret that the University of Nottingham community learned of Dr Haylock’s death. Thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this sad time.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

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