We are very sorry to learn of the death of former student and alumnus of the University,
Philip Goodeve-Docker who was killed on 28 April whilst on a sledge-hauling expedition across the Greenland icecap.
The three man expedition across the 370 mile icecap was led by Roan Hackney, an experienced Arctic polar explorer. He was Philip’s close friend.
Two days into the 30-35 day expedition, they were hit by a katabatic polar storm particular to Greenland, and known as a pitarak, of almost unprecedented ferocity, with winds gusting between 100/120 mph. Although the three of them survived the destruction of their tent for over 30 hours, Philip sadly died a few hours before the rescue helicopter could reach them.
While Philip was driven by the personal challenge of this polar venture, he also wanted it to be an opportunity to raise funds for The Queen’s Nursing Institute. He was also undertaking the venture in memory of his grandfather, Patrick Pirie-Gordon, who died two years ago. Mr Pirie-Gordon, a private banker and also treasurer and honorary vice-president of the Royal Geographical Society, had helped to organise the financing of many major post-war polar expeditions. Further, he was also a trustee and treasurer of The Queen’s Nursing Institute.
Whilst at University where he studied and attained his BSc in Management Sciences, Philip developed his interest in comedy and event production and promotion. He was heavily involved in setting up the Comedy Society and was its President for two academic years 2002-2003 and 2003-2004. After University, Philip continued his love of comedy and established Purple Cactus Productions, a specialist comedy agency, booking comedians or entertainers for corporate events and private parties, as well as running comedy clubs.
Professor Lyn Thomas who was Philip’s tutor on his Management Sciences degree said:
“He was one of those memorable students who my wife remembers me talking about. He was a lot of fun, very courteous. I liked him as did everyone he was in contact with, a great loss to all.”
Dr Roy Edwards of Southampton Management School also remembers Philip:
“I was Philip’s dissertation tutor whilst he studied at Southampton and I remember his love of comedy and life in general. It is interesting that he chose to base his final year dissertation on the subject of nightclub promotion and that his career after University followed along a similar path. Everyone at Southampton Management School is saddened to hear of Philip’s death and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
The fund-raising has now been converted into Philip’s Memorial Fund and further donations via Philip’s Just Giving fundraising page will go to support the work of The Queen’s Nursing Institute.