My father, Denis Shaw, who has died aged 76, was an educational on the College of Birmingham who specialised in Russian historical past and geography.
He retired from educating in 2010, however retained an honorary place at Birmingham. He usually commented that his retirement afforded him better time to proceed his analysis, which he thought to be his “actual job”. His final e-book, a research of Russia’s contribution to the Age of Exploration, was accomplished shortly earlier than his dying and is due for publication later this yr.
Denis was born in Thornton Cleveleys, close to Blackpool, the third of 4 kids. His father, additionally named Denis, was a barber; his mom was Doris (nee Mottershead). He attended Baines grammar college after which College School London, the place he obtained each his bachelor’s diploma in geography and a PhD. In 1969 he made the primary of many journeys to Russia, to review for a yr at Voronezh State College.
Shortly after receiving his PhD, Denis took up a lecturing place at Birmingham College, the place he remained for the remainder of his profession. He was a cautious, diligent scholar who at all times offered in depth help to his college students.
As well as he wrote various books, together with Planning within the Soviet Union (1981, with Judith Pallot), and Russia within the Fashionable World (1999). He additionally co-authored a number of editions of the textbook Human Geography, standard amongst undergraduates.
Till the Covid-19 pandemic and what he known as “Putin’s unconscionable warfare in Ukraine”, Denis travelled frequently to Russia, usually conducting his analysis on the Nationwide Library in St Petersburg. He made quite a few journeys to the US and Europe, in addition to additional afield, and had a specific affinity for the south of France.
Alongside his educational pursuits Denis had a eager curiosity in astronomy. As a sixth-form pupil he had joined the British Astronomical Society, and he remained a member for 50 years, ultimately being granted honorary life membership.
A hillwalker with a passion for the Yorkshire Dales, he was additionally a diligent pupil of languages and a fan of basic comedy and classical music.
He’s survived by his spouse, Andrea (nee Peel) whom he married in 1985, and their kids, Hannah and me, his grandsons, William and Matthew, and his sisters, Sandra and June. His brother, Ron, died in 2023.
