Professor Gilbert Kelling OBE

We are sad to report the passing of Professor Gilbert Kelling OBE, Emeritus Professor of Sedimentology and Marine Geology at Keele University. He died in Royal Stoke University Hospital on 17th August, aged 90.

Gilbert was President of the Association of Teachers’ of Geology 1980 - 82 and took a great interest in the Association over many years. Peter Kennett recalls those days when Geology was riding high, and ATG/ESTA saw peak membership of 1600 across the country, mainly school teachers. Curriculum review was developing fast and Gilbert, alongside David Thompson and others, helped us fight our corner, with Nuffield Science and the place of geology in the science curriculum. This culminated with the introduction of the National Curriculum in 1988. ATG/ESTA have always had a strong link with Keele over the years – both with the Geology Dept and Education, which Gilbert encouraged. Keele has hosted five ATG/ESTA Conferences.

Gilbert came to Keele University in 1976. He held several senior roles within the University, including Head of the Geology Department (1976-88), Dean of Science (1978-83), Geoscience Research Co-ordinator (1988-96) and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research (1989-93). Gilbert specialised in the geology of sedimentary rocks and was an inspirational teacher, particularly in the field. He was also a great ambassador for his subject both in the UK and internationally, which was recognised in the 1996 New Year’s Honours by the award of OBE for services to Environmental Protection.

Gilbert has also been an active, long-term member of the North Staffs Group of the Geologists’ Association. He was Vice-Chair/Chair from 1996-2000 and regularly attended the Group’s evening talks.

Gilbert was a gentleman and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

All are welcome at the funeral service which will take place on Wednesday 4th September at 11am at Newcastle-under-Lyme Baptist Church, 35 Stafford Avenue, ST5 3BN.