Book of remembrance - John Carroll
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our colleague John Carroll, Senior Lecturer at NTU for over 10 years.
The University understands how difficult it can be when we lose someone close to us. We have opened up this online book of remembrance to bring together tributes for John.
If you would like to share any happy memories you have of John, you are invited to leave a message on this page.
John was a Senior Lecturer in Nottingham Institute of Education, where he contributed to the Secondary Education team for over 10 years, including several years as Course Leader. He also taught in a number of other areas, as well as supporting the School of Science and Technology’s Chemistry Department.
John was well-liked by both students and staff, who valued his gentle nature and concern for each individual.
He will be sadly missed within the School of Social Sciences, and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends.
When I started at NTU as a part time member of staff, John was my main point of contact. He was always kind and patient and made you feel at ease, which as a new face to somewhere was really appreciated. I'll always remember him with fond thoughts as he was a lovely man with a big heart. My deepest sympathies to his loved ones x
Posted by Stephanie Coates, 14 Jan 2024
John will always be remembered for his smile and kind words that he had for everyone that he met. Nothing was to much trouble for him and he will be remembered by all who knew him. Condolences to his wife Karen, his children and all his family. Rest in Peace John XX
Posted by Elaine Worrall, 14 Dec 2023
John was a lovely gentle man with a real heart for his students. Like me he made the transition from teaching hard physical science to the more nuanced world of social science and education in particular, though I admired the way he kept his hand in with chemistry! I enjoyed our philosophical chats about the two different worlds, their alternative viewpoints and approaches, and the way that those paradigms affected the approach to work. When he was course leader I found him really helpful and supportive; knowledgeable yet humble with it. The department will miss his contributions to teaching and learning; his colleagues will miss a friend.
Posted by Chris Rolph, 13 Dec 2023
John was so warm, welcoming & supportive when I first joined NIE managing the admin team & placements for the PGCE Secondary programme. He always greeted you with a beaming smile & would stop & take the time to talk to you, displaying a genuine interest in anything you were doing. It has been a pleasure to have known him & he will be sadly missed. My deepest condolences to his family x
Posted by Maria Fletcher, 11 Dec 2023
John was the best kind of room mate to have at work. When things were getting a little too much we would take 10 mins (or 30!) to talk about life away from work - family, beer, SWFC (usually with head in hands), music, TV, dancing and of course his particular brand of artwork!
He was a godsend for your mental health as we laughed a lot and I enjoyed hearing about all of his varied experiences before NTU. I will miss him very much.
Posted by Nicky Sorsby, 08 Dec 2023
John was such a kind and warm individual who was always very easy to approach and talk to. I will always remember his smile and his generosity of spirit. He will be missed by everyone and I send the warmest condolences to his friends and family. X
Posted by Verity Aiken, 04 Dec 2023
I have lovely memories of John especially when he was my Course Leader for 3 years. He always came into the Admin office to say hello accompanied by the biggest smile. I feel very fortunate to have known John and send my deepest condolences to Karen and his children. Rest in Peace John x
Posted by Viv Elsom, 30 Nov 2023
John always had his wonderful warm beaming smile every time I saw him. A genuine nice guy who was loved and respected by everyone who ever met him. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. RIP John X
Posted by Deborah Bancroft-Hall, 29 Nov 2023
John was my office neighbour for a number of years and his smiling face and gentle, positive outlook on life, especially first thing in the morning, meant he was a joy to be around. I last spent time with him in July when we believed he was taking over a module from me when I retired in August. We spent a lovely morning catching up and discussing our educational experiences, ethos and plans for the future. He was a genuinely supportive colleague and friend, who was loved by students and colleagues alike. My deepest condolences to his family. X
Posted by Dr. Karen Chantrey Wood, 28 Nov 2023
John was one of those people whose smile and welcome brightened up your day and made coming to work worthwhile. I had many chats about life’s ups and downs over the last 10 years and will miss his positivity, warmth and generous spirit.
Posted by Alex Kosogorin, 28 Nov 2023
I'll miss John so very much. All of our conversations were funny and interesting, because John was both of these and more. We laughed a lot, and I knew he was someone I could talk about anything to. A few times, John let me sit in and watch him when he led meetings with school colleagues, for when it was my turn to do so. He exuded so much warmth and engagement with people, it was inspiring. A genuine and lovely man; a friend who I'll miss deeply.
Posted by Jamie Tinney, 27 Nov 2023
There are so many fond memories I have of working and laughing with John - it was clear from the first time that I met him (being on his interview panel in 2012) that he was a warm fellow with a cheeky but beaming smile. There are two memories I will hold most dear: John and I celebrating the news of me becoming a father with several cans of extortionately priced beer on the train back from London. He was the first person outside of my family to know. And my first virtual performance on the piano we bought during lockdown where I called John on Teams for a vital meeting but really only to play to him Spinal Tap's Lick My LP (in D minor) and the belly laugh as he quoted verbatim the entire scene! Thank you John x
Posted by Mark Crowley, 27 Nov 2023
John was the type of colleague I have been fortunate to work with a lot at NTU - kind, thoughtful, committed and caring. He will be sadly missed.
Posted by andrew clapham, 27 Nov 2023
John was very good at what he did, but as a person - he came across as warm, friendly and respectful. He always seemed to make time for others and he will be missed by so many people.
Posted by Rishi Chauhan, 27 Nov 2023
John was my first point of contact when I started at NTU 5 years ago. I couldn't have asked to be made more welcome. His kindness, humour, concern for others and big smile will be the things I remember about him. A true gentleman who will be sorely missed.
Posted by Jo Darley, 27 Nov 2023
When my wife was undergoing cancer treatment seven years ago, John was a tremendous source of support, and his empathy and positivity had a real impact. John's determination to not let his diagnosis hold him back from achieving his goals, particularly his running, was inspirational. We could all do with being a little more like John.
Though I didn't work with John directly, I remember him with real fondness and mourn his passing with great sadness.
Posted by Nick Page, 27 Nov 2023
I was so sorry to learn of John's passing. John and I worked together in NIE for several years and he was always such a lovely, happy soul. I will miss his smiling face but always be glad that I had the opportunity to know him. My deepest sympathies to his family for their loss.
Posted by Kate Harris, 27 Nov 2023
Simply one of the nicest people I have ever had the privilege to work with.
We are, all of us diminished by the loss of such a great human being.
Rest in peace, John.
Posted by Neil Stott, 26 Nov 2023
I was truly saddened to hear of the death of John. Although I didn't get chance to know him well, our paths crossed as he supported the primary team for science. I remember his warm smile and genuine interest during our conversation in the staff room. The world has lost a genuine and warm human being and I extend all my sympathy and kindest thoughts to his family at this time.
Posted by Lizzie Greeley, 26 Nov 2023
I spent many wonderful evenings playing cricket with John, and I always enjoyed his good humour and positive approach to life. We occasionally even talked about science or teaching, but mainly cricket and beer - he was an expert on both and will be sadly missed.
Posted by Dave Fairhurst, 25 Nov 2023
I am grateful and was fortunate to work and teach alongside John as science lecturers for BA Primary Education in 2022-2023. John stepped in to support the science on our course without hesitation and embraced the opportunity to work with our primary trainee teachers. We had a particularly memorable session, taking our students outside to promote their professional understanding around how to use the outdoor environment to support science learning. In that session, John modelled, with care, how to notice the detail of our outdoor environment and how to approach what we observe with curiosity and care. His legacy will live on in those trainee teachers who will go on to teach young children.
Posted by Dr. Natasha Serret, 25 Nov 2023
John was a lovely person, who I will always remember with fondness and warmth. He clearly enjoyed working with learners, and with his colleagues at various universities who shared his interests and passions. He made a difference to many people, and that is a legacy of which to be proud.
Posted by Matt Varley, 24 Nov 2023
John served as external examiner in the School of Education, University College Cork (UCC), Ireland, from 2018 - 2022. We were very fortunate to have him in this role as his expertise in science education was of enormous assistance to us. He was a thorough gentleman who understood the challenges of classroom teaching and was very supportive of the student teachers whom he visited on teaching placement in our local schools.
In addition to his work as external examiner, John also gave keynote addresses at the Annual Conference of the Irish Science Teachers’ Association and at the BASF Summer School for Chemistry teachers in UCC. John was one of the finest people whom I have ever met. He was a brilliant chemist and a gifted teacher. He greatly impressed us all with his friendly and humble personality. We remember with great warmth of affection the sparkle in his eyes when we met him at Cork airport. He loved coming to Ireland and we loved having him with us. We will miss him very much and will always remember him in our prayers. I extend my deepest sympathy to his wife Karen and his children Sophie and Thomas. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Posted by Dr Declan Kennedy, 24 Nov 2023
John was such a lovely person and colleague and always such a pleasure to be around, he always radiated positivity and happiness! I never saw John without a huge beaming smile on his face and that will be very missed. Sending my deepest condolences to the family ❤
Posted by Rebecca Cowlishaw, 24 Nov 2023