In memoriam: Aldham Robarts

The LJMU community is deeply saddened by the death of Aldham Robarts, an Honorary Fellow, trustee and passionate supporter of the university.

Toronto-born Aldie began his career in banking before emigrating to Liverpool, where he specialised in newspaper advertising and management.

He was a great champion and ambassador of the city of Liverpool, holding a range of key posts including President of the Liverpool Publicity Association, Chairman of the Liverpool and Merseyside Branch of the Institute of Directors, Director of the Liverpool Playhouse and Trustee of the Anfield Foundation.

Aldie was made an Honorary Fellow of LJMU in 1992 and was a member of the Board of Trustees between 1993 and 2008.

Aldie was awarded the OBE in the Queen’s birthday honours in 2015.

Mark Power, Vice Chancellor (interim), comments: “Aldie was one of our founding benefactors, helping us to develop our two city centre libraries which were subsequently named after Aldham and his wife Avril. 

“He was as generous with his time as he was with his investment in the university and his interest in the achievements of our students was genuine and heartfelt.

“I spent time with Aldie. He and Avril were frequent and enthusiastic visitors to the university and we were delighted to host a special commemoration of his life and work in a special Roscoe ‘in conversation’ event a few years ago as one of his last public outings.

“He will be greatly missed but I am glad we will play our part in his lasting legacy through the university libraries named in his honour.”

Picture: Aldham and Avril Robarts at the construction of LJMU's libraries, named in their honour.