Condolence Book

What a smashing man. It was a pleasure to work with John. Highly intelligent and such a funny man. He will be greatly missed. His letters to the department were such a joy❤️

Fond memories of a delightful colleague and friend. It was a pleasure to have known him.

Such a good friend, advisor, mentor, comedian. I enjoyed our conversations, the planning, the travel together, the vision, and of course, the commitment to our students. John, thank you: for your wisdom, your care, your humanity. God bless.

John was a man of considerable talent, but with no arrogance. In all spheres of his life, he was reliable. He was a successful academic, showing persistence and resilience in the face of ill-health. As a friend and family man, reliability and consistency shone through. His support of the cause of remaining in the European Union demonstrated both his intellectual strength and commitment to internationalism. If he were not hampered by illness, he could have been a strong voice in the European movement. In retirement, his voice was nevertheless heard through his letters published in newspapers. Being knowledgeable on a range of subjects including economics, politics and sport, John was always someone to enjoy a conversation with. He contributed an enormous amount on both professional and personal levels, and surely would have contributed even more if his health would have allowed it. It was a privilege and pleasure to enjoy his friendship.

Keith Redhead

A wonderful colleague and friend, who did so much for International Studies at Birmingham. A brilliant economist, who could explain complex concepts effectively to non-specialists. His sense of humour and eye for the absurd were a relief in an often over serious academic environment, and his Christmas Letters were a delight. Will be much missed.

John was a wonderful husband, he never complained about living with Parkinson’s Disease and was just happy to be surrounded by his family. He loved going to the theatre, cinema and concerts, even if he had to sit in his wheelchair in the later years. He was happy with the simple things in life - his music (especially Jethro Tull), holidays on the Scilly Isles and being with me. When his speech became difficult later on, I could finish his sentences (often adding - as the bishop said to the actress!) Most of all I will miss John’s sense of humour - he could still make me laugh after 44 years of marriage and 27 years with Parkinson’s.

Will love and miss you forever, darling.

Carol

Professor John Redmond - our Dad, was the most loving, supportive and inspiring father. Despite a busy academic career, he was always there for us - whether it was taking us swimming, to museums, Worcester Cathedral or to watch the rugby at the weekends. He attended every school event or performance and was always driving us to various activities. Whenever he travelled abroad for conferences, he would bring us gifts back from different cultures and told us all about the things he had seen.

Dad always emphasised the importance of education and hard work - he was firm about applying ourselves to our studies and completing a task from start to finish. These qualities have stayed with us through to adulthood and he was proud of us all.

Throughout 27 years of living with Parkinson’s Disease he never complained, saw the positives in everything and never lost his sense of humour. There must have been many difficult days battling this degenerative disease, but he loved reading, watching TV dramas and sci fi and kept himself busy writing about his childhood, his experience of living with Parkinson’s and a couple of fictional novels. He even had a book of his Christmas letters published for the family to read (“The Alternative Christmas Letters” - available on Amazon!) His resilience and stoicism were inspiring and reminds us that we can get through anything in life.

Dad loved his job at the University of Birmingham and told us many stories about his time there. As the son of a miner growing up in Moorends, he never forgot his roots and worked incredibly hard at school and university to make a career for himself in academia and provide for his family. We couldn’t have asked for a better father - much loved and missed.

With love from Katie, Jennifer, Jane & Alex

Dear John....a great friend and colleague from the start of our university days in Cardiff in 1972.

Against all the odds - and 27 years of Parkinson's - you achieved so much in your life and career - and most importantly you were the best husband, father, grandfather and brother, to your family - and a great friend and colleague to me.

You and your precious wit and offbeat sense of fun, sharp intellect, hard work and generous caring nature, will be very much remembered and sadly missed by all who knew you. God bless you and keep you. Joe

Professor John Redmond - my brother

I could not of wished for a better brother he was so supportive, considerate and funny. He never complained he just lived life the best he could with his supported family. What a man!!!

Myself and John were brought up in a small mining village where all the family were so proud of his academic achievements.

He was always there on the other end of the telephone when I needed support even when he was having a bad day himself.

Love and miss you Susan