It is with great sadness that we inform staff and students of the passing of Laurence Barber, former Director of Sport at the University.
Laurence passed away on 28 December 2017 and his funeral will take place at Basingstoke Crematorium on 24 January at 10:15.
A Southampton alumnus (MAEd 1993), Laurence joined the staff in September 1993 as Assistant Director of Physical Education, later becoming Assistant Director of Student Services. He will be most remembered by colleagues for his work as Director of Sport and Recreation, a role he held until retirement.
Assistant Manager Sport and Wellbeing, James Topping, said:
“Laurence was instrumental in helping develop a number of key projects in sport at the University. Among these were the building of the highly popular Jubilee Sports Centre and the successful redevelopment of the Wide Lane Sports Grounds. Sport was his life both in and outside work, especially water sports, which he championed at Southampton. His personal love of windsurfing and sailing helped put the foundations in place for the investment into newer equipment and the RYA centre we have today.
“Laurence was a fantastic manager to work for and much respected, rallying his team with fun and energising us to try new things. He will be remembered for making us feel part of something and leading in a way that felt like a family. In common with many others, I was grateful for the opportunity to work with him.”
Laurence was an active member of the “Accies” cricket team for many years but would try his hand at any sport, with golf taking over as his main interest following his retirement in 2010.
Our thoughts go out to Jean and his family and close friends at this very sad time.
