University mourns the loss of Gordon Goldberg

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Gordon Goldberg, former Lecturer in Law, on 13 June 2015. Acting Vice-Chancellor Alistair Alcock has said the following about this great loss:

“In these days of Powerpoint presentations, virtual learning environments, research excellence frameworks, student surveys, peer review, personal developments plans, and all the bureaucratic paraphernalia surrounding teaching in higher education, one can despair that no room is left for inspirational teachers. Perhaps Gordon Goldberg and his like are a dying breed, but it could never be said of Gordon that he went quietly. In his time at The University of Buckingham, he left an indelible mark on a whole generation of law students. He will also long be remembered in the town if only for riding his bicycle everywhere with his academic gown flying in the wind behind him.

Central to understanding Gordon’s power and influence were two loves, his love of the common law (he never really reconciled himself to Britain’s membership of the European Union) and his love of and respect for students (for whom he could have infinite time and care). From both he expected a beauty and precision of language. All of this was seen, not just in the formal teaching environment, but also in his conduct as Master of Moots. As one first class student warned a junior colleague: “Wait till Mr Goldberg gets hold of you in Moots. You will be mincemeat” Undoubtedly he did scare some students, but for the many who were prepared to put in the effort, Gordon’s help and guidance in return were truly inspirational.

With a Law School drawing students from right across the common law world, I like to believe that Gordon found his natural legal home at Buckingham. It is wonderful to think that his love and passion for the common law, and for the English language in which it finds expression has been passed on to disciples across the continents. Although as a loyal subject of the Crown, he would have hated to be thought of as a citizen of the world, nevertheless he certainly left his mark far beyond the confines of a small market town in England. I doubt we will see his like again.”

Gordon’s widow, Kerry Goldberg, has asked for any donations to go to The National Trust, as Gordon enjoyed taking walks around various gardens, particularly The Manor at Aylesbury.’