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Tributes have been paid to former ÎÞÂ붯»­ lecturer Keith Heywood, whose death has been announced. Colleagues past and present worked to craft this piece, looking back at his life at Harper Adams and beyond, in his memory.

Keith Heywood was always known by his second name, Keith. 

Keith studied Agricultural Economics at university, after which he joined the Milk Marketing Board as one of their farm advisers.  As a student Keith also acquired a bus driving licence, putting him in the unique position of being perhaps the only lecturer in agricultural higher education qualified to drive a bus!

Keith took up a post at Harper Adams as a senior lecturer in farm business management on September 1, 1978. In the late 1980's under the direction of late Principal Tony Harris, Harper Adams Agricultural College started the development of the REALM (Rural Enterprise and Land Management) honours degree course.

Keith worked with Principal Harris and numerous others to develop the new course (the first of its kind since before the Second World War) and the new students joined the course in September 1989.  Keith took particular responsibility for the original specification for the farm business and taxation modules.  

By the time the new course was in its second year Keith had enrolled as a part time student on a Rural Diploma course with a view to qualifying as a rural chartered surveyor, which Keith duly did in the early 1990's passing the new Assessment of Professional Competence at his first attempt. Keith went on to qualify as an Arbitrator, using his expert knowledge and calm approach to resolve even the most complex of disputes.

Keith was greatly appreciated by students (REALM students in particular) for his ability to combine the theoretical and legal knowledge with his practical experience and insight, in particular with agricultural law.  He was a passionate advocate of the importance of professional practice and understanding ‘both sides of the fence’, which is he often reinforced through student visits and assignments on his clients' farms with their keen support.

Keith retired from Harper Adams in 2017 after an incredible 39 years and used his retirement to pursue his many passions and interests, including shooting, fishing, training his dogs and spending time with his wife Susan, their Children Robert and Elizabeth, and Grandchildren.

After his retirement, Keith kept in touch with Harper Adams and kindly donated his time to assist with the delivery of the postgraduate Agricultural Tenancy law module; a real treat for all staff and students involved.

Keith will always be remembered fondly as a very generous and supportive colleague, whose ability to bring fun to complex areas of law and practice is a legacy his colleagues continue to honour.