Robert William Nesbitt (26 Sep 1936 - 24 Apr 2024)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Nesbitt. Husband to Cathie, dad to Carolyn, Louise (Jo) and Jacqui, grandfather to Cleo, Georgia and Sam, and friend to many, Bob was born in Blyth, Northumberland on 26 September 1936. Although Bob lost his Geordie accent many years ago, he remained proud of his roots and was a lifelong loyal Newcastle United football fan.

Following a first class degree in Geology at Durham University, he stayed on to undertake his PhD including 6 months under canvas in Greenland. In 1960 he was offered a lectureship at the University of Adelaide in South Australia. He set sail from Southampton on the Arcadia with Cathie and one-year old Carolyn, meeting lifelong friends, the Kendricks, en route. Bob and Cathie spent 20 years in Australia during which time they welcomed 2 more daughters, Louise (Jo) and Jacqui. While there, they enjoyed countless cricket matches, BBQs, camping trips and the company of wonderful friends.

During this time Bob also undertook fellowships at Manchester, Yale, Toronto and Rennes. He developed a life-long love of France and speaking French and was particularly fond of a good “contrapètrie” or Jacques Brel song which appealed to his mischievous side. He developed friendships with colleagues and students around the world, enjoying and extending hospitality in equal measure.

In 1980, Bob was appointed Chair of Geology "back home" in the UK at the University of Southampton. He was at the forefront of scientific developments in petrology, geochemistry and analytical geoscience for forty years. Testament to this legacy is a trail of literature, particularly in the fields of komatiite petrogenesis, mid-ocean ridge magmatism and mineralisation, and high-Mg volcanic systems. More information on Bob’s work can be found at:

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/blog/sussed-news/2024/05/09/obituary-emeritus-prof-robert-w-nesbitt/

While at the University of Southampton, Bob was Head of Geology for 15 years and served as Dean of the Faculty of Science for 3 years. Bob oversaw the Geology department’s move to the Waterfront Campus and the National Oceanography Centre in 1997. He was instrumental in ensuring the department’s survival and developing it into the internationally-renowned research centre of today. His research took him all over the world and resulted in many collaborations and friendships. Retiring to an Emeritus position in 2001, Bob continued to take a keen interest in science, maintaining regular contact with the department and colleagues.

Always the competitor, Bob enjoyed striding across the golf course engaging in characteristic banter with his playing partners. He was delighted when the Geology department developed a golf tournament in his name to mark his retirement. The Bob Nesbitt Cup is now in its 23rd year of competition and will hopefully continue to honour him for many years to come.

Bob also enjoyed bowling at the County Bowling Club and walking/spending time with “the Normads” walking group, often followed by a cold beer, glass of red or a whisky. A classical music lover, he attended countless Proms, occasionally demonstrating his own, not insignificant, musical ability on the piano. Bob was a proud father and grandfather, enjoying spending time with family in Southampton, Leeds and Adelaide.

Bob lived at Monks Wood Close for over 40 years, having many great neighbours and friends during that time. He enjoyed their company at many happy social occasions and valued their incredible care and friendship over the last few years in particular.

During his retirement, he and Cathie enjoyed spending extended periods of time back in Adelaide as well as taking cruises to the Arctic Circle, the Baltic and a European River cruise. Always fond of sharing a joke or “shaggy dog story”, cheeky banter or a lively debate, Bob loved meeting and spending time with people. He had great energy and was also incredibly kind and generous. He leaves a lasting impression on many people’s lives, was much loved and will be sorely missed.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday 29th May, 2.30pm at Southampton Crematorium (feel free to wear a splash of colour), and afterwards at Stoneham Golf Club. If you wish to attend, please contact jo.l.nesbitt@gmail.com, to assist with planning of numbers, or register attendance using the tab provided.