With deep sadness and regret, we have to report that our much loved colleague and friend, Dr Jonathan Perraton, has recently passed away. Jonathan was a senior lecturer in the department, and had been with the University of Sheffield since 1995, making him the longest serving academic member of the department. In this time, Jonathan contributed a great deal to the department, and has played a significant role in our growth and success over this period. He taught many modules over the years, often in the areas of Macroeconomics and International Economics, and was a very popular lecturer. Many cohorts of students have enjoyed his lectures, where his conversational style and love of an anecdote allowed him to teach the relevant economic theories to them in an interesting and engaging way. He had an incredible knowledge of economic literature, of economic theories and the history of economic thought, and was by far the best-read person we knew.
His extensive economic knowledge and ability to relate it in an accessible way made Jonathan a natural for media engagements, and he was always first to volunteer when requests came in from media outlets for someone to go on to a programme and talk about the economic issues of the day. This willingness to help marked everything else he did in the department and university. He was always willing to do anything to benefit his students, about whom he cared deeply. This extended to former students too, and Jonathan was a great supporter of the alumni association, regularly attending their reunion events. Similarly with his colleagues, he was always available to help wherever needed, whether formally through his work as a union rep, or more informally offering to share his knowledge, provide advice, or contribute to anything that needed doing.
The department, and wider university, will greatly miss all of Jonathan’s contributions to university life and work, but most of all, will miss him as a friend, as someone who would always make room for a chat, whether about economics, politics news, music or football. The department will not be the same without him.
Steven McIntosh
Head of Department of Economics