Kevin Brehony obituary

Kevin Brehony was a lifelong enthusiast of child-centred education

My husband, Kevin Brehony, Froebel professor of early childhood scientific studies at Roehampton University, has died of cancer aged 65. Kevin was a lifelong enthusiast for child-centred training and a historian of concepts about early childhood, like these of Friedrich Froebel. He published several academic papers, worked tirelessly for a number of discovered societies and talked about Froebel’s work in several nations, inspiring students, practitioners and academics alike.

Kevin was born in Stafford, of an Irish father, Eddie-Joseph Brehony, a factory employee, and an English mother, Ruth Slater. The family began farming in Shropshire in 1951, moving to mid-Wales in 1959. Right after Ludlow grammar and Lampeter bilateral school, Kevin went to Birmingham University to study geography, but left with no a degree. He qualified as a teacher at City of Birmingham School of Education and then taught in various West Midlands principal colleges.

In 1976, he was awarded a initial-class honours degree from the Open University and in 1979 started to research for a PhD on The Froebel Motion and State Schooling, 1880-1914: A Study in Educational Ideology, at the OU, supervised by Roger Dale. Kevin and I met at the OU in 1980, at a studying group run by his supervisor. From 1982 right up until 1984, Kevin was a lecturer at Edge Hill University, Ormskirk. We married in March 1985 and the two stood as Labour candidates for Buckinghamshire county council, although Kevin was not elected. He was a provide teacher from 1985 till 1987, then joined Bulmershe School of Schooling, which merged with Reading through University in 1989.

Kevin loved all types of music, but particularly Irish conventional music, specially when played in bars. He was an optimistic Wolverhampton Wanderers supporter, even when they played badly. He took up cycle touring in the 1980s with Milton Keynes Cycling Club, embarked on cycle-camping holidays in Europe and also went hill walking. Kevin was a talented cook, although his passion for chillies did not please absolutely everyone: pals loved his dinners, filled with music, wine and conversation.

Kevin remained at Studying till 2003, when he was appointed to the Froebel chair of early childhood scientific studies at Roehampton. There he led the early-many years investigation group, taught master’s college students, supervised PhDs and grew to become the institution’s ambassador for nationwide and international pursuits focused on Froebel, like serving as president of the International Froebel Society.

Despite his illness, Kevin continued to operate till the summer of 2013. He is survived by me and his cousin, Mary Geraghty.

Kevin Brehony obituary