Life story: Acclaimed academic a source of strength and a guiding force for many
OBITUARY: Acclaimed academic Kenneth Strongman spent his life inspiring others to be the best they could be.
"If you're on the door, it's your job to get as many people through as you can before it shuts again," Strongman would constantly tell his daughter Lara.
"Throughout his life, Dad never lost the sense of where he came from and rather than pulling the ladder up after himself he brought hundreds of people up with him. Maybe even thousands," she said.
The highly regarded psychology professor and writer died at home on December 29, 2019, aged 79.
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Strongman was born in the small English town of Ware, just north of London, on December 2, 1940, to working-class parents Alfred Strongman and Grace Dew.
Strongman had a tough childhood growing up in the midst of World War II Europe.
And as a child, he had to hide in shelters to avoid the onslaught of Nazi bombers during the Blitz campaign against Britain.
"There was a lot of love, but it was a hard life," Lara said.
Strongman was educated at Dame Alice Owen's School in London and excelled both academically and in the sporting arena. He was a proficient bowler for the school's top cricket team, played in the top football team, and wrestled for a London based club.
After leaving school, Strongman attended University College London to study anthropology, biology and psychology. He excelled in his undergraduate degree and carried on to complete a PhD in experimental psychology.
In 1964, Strongman married his high school sweetheart, Thelma Francis, and they moved to Exeter University in southwest England, where Strongman worked as a psychology lecturer.
The pair soon had two children together – Lara and Luke – and the young family moved to New Zealand in 1979 where Strongman took up a position as a psychology professor at the University of Canterbury (UC).
He was highly regarded in his industry and specialised in studying emotion. He published an international textbook, The Psychology of Emotion, in 1973, which ran five editions and was widely cited. Strongman became the head of the university's psychology department – a role he held for about 15 years – and eventually rose to the role of pro-vice-chancellor of arts.
Strongman spent the remainder of his career at UC, until he retired in 2010. In his absence, he was given the honorary title of emeritus professor to highlight his tenure and dedication to the university.
Strongman was a strong community man and helped run several groups. He was chairman of the Christchurch Arts Centre Trust and Canterbury Museum, the vice-president of the Royal Society and was a member of New Zealand's Film Censorship Board of Review.
His commitment to community was rewarded on several occasions. He was elected a fellow of the NZ Psychological Society in 1982, became a fellow of the British society in 1990, and was honoured by the Royal Society of NZ four years later.
Strongman enjoyed keeping fit. When he was not working, he maintained a life-long interest in running, completing two marathons through the Buller Gorge on the West Coast. He was also a regular squash player at the University of Canterbury Recreation Centre.
Strongman was also passionate about writing. He began writing crime fiction short stories while studying in England and in later life reviewed television and literature, and wrote columns for The Press and other national newspapers.
Strongman and Francis later divorced and he married Averil Overton in 2000. They remained together until his death.
Lara said her father would be remembered for his unique ability to connect and inspire all of those around him.
"He was a really extraordinary person and touched so many people's lives with his advice, support and humour and I think that was the really special thing about him.
"It's very difficult for me to imagine life without Dad. He was such a source of strength and a guiding force for me, I can't quite believe that he's gone."
Son Luke said Strongman would be remembered for his compassionate nature.
"[Dad] was always quick to admire people who had risen to challenges in life and overcome personal difficulties. He was a firm believer in the ability of people to succeed despite handicaps, problems and doubts.
"There was never anyone else quite like him and he will be deeply missed by family and friends."
Strongman is survived by wife Averil Overton, sister Debbie, children Luke and Lara, step-children Fleur and Kate, and four grandchildren.
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