Kevin Morris, who has died aged 68 of heart failure, spent his life as a community development worker and lecturer pursuing social justice. Despite leaving school without any qualifications, he rose to become the head of department in the faculty of education and society at Sunderland University.
His teaching was significantly influenced by the work of the radical educator and philosopher Paulo Freire, and he employed Freire’s methods of critical pedagogy with infectious passion and enthusiasm. He had a positive impact upon the lives of countless students, such as myself, as well as community activists and colleagues. He was first my tutor (2000-05), then my PhD supervisor (2006-13).
Born in Newport Pagnell to Mavis (nee Tompkins), an auxiliary nurse, and Arthur Morris, a builder and gardener, Kevin went to the local primary and secondary modern schools.
His first job after leaving school was at Aston Martin as an apprenticeship joiner. After taking his O-levels and A-levels at night school, and then a qualification in youth and community work in Liverpool, he worked at a housing co-op in Liverpool in the late 1970s. He moved to Sunderland in the early 80s, to take up a job at Ford and Pennywell advice centre. During his time in the city he was instrumental in the initiation and development of numerous community development and youth work projects, including music collectives, an adventure playground, coffee bar and various training, transport and art projects.
Although he did not have a BA, his expertise meant he was accepted on to the communication studies MA at Sunderland University, graduating in 1989. In the same year, he joined the community and youth work studies faculty, eventually becoming head of department (2003-2013).
Despite some ill health, in retirement he continued to support the regional youth work unit and was the chair of Healthwatch in Sunderland.
In both private and professional relationships, Kevin was supportive, compassionate and willing to help in times of trouble. He had a gift for seeing the potential in those who could not yet see it in themselves. He was deeply committed to the ideals of community education and participation.
His love of life manifested itself on his allotment, cooking or renovating the family house in France. Kevin always welcomed people into his life, and they were generously fed and watered at his annual family Christmas party.
He is survived by his wife, Gaynor Clarke, a youth and community development worker, whom he married in 1988, their daughters, Jennie and Beth, and grandchildren, Ben, Harry, Alfie and Evie.
