Neil Hudson obituary

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2013/jan/09/neil-hudson-obituary

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My husband, Neil Hudson, who has died of pancreatic cancer aged 65, was a leading academic geologist in the field of metamorphic petrology – the study of rocks that have undergone chemical, mineralogical or textural changes due to extremes of pressure or temperature.

Born in Edinburgh, son of Harold and Peggy Hudson, Neil completed his early education at Edinburgh's Royal high school and read geology at Edinburgh University, graduating in 1970 and later, in 1975, achieving a PhD. He was proud of his Scottish roots, retaining a strong connection to the city, and was frequently drawn back to Scotland through his love of walking and music.

As a young lecturer he moved to Derbyshire in 1975 with his first wife, Elspeth, and began a distinguished teaching and research career at Derby University. He gained particular recognition as a leading authority on the Dalradian rocks of the eastern Scottish Highlands, publishing a series of research papers on the metamorphic petrology of this area and leading field trips for geologists from overseas.

In addition to work in Britain, Neil developed a research collaboration with Oulu University, Finland. Remembered by colleagues as a man who demanded clarity of thought and accuracy of expression, he had exacting standards for himself and those he mentored and supervised; but he was always approachable and interested in discussion.

Music was a big part of Neil's life. His daughter, Pauline, remembers him playing classical music to her as a young child. As an undergraduate he joined the Folk Song Society, taking up the guitar and developing an interest in the blues – a pleasure he shared with his son, Steven. In later years Neil and I formed a harp and guitar duo, playing traditional music together, and he learned to play the wire-strung harp. Neil also loved walking in Derbyshire – even braving brisk winds for Christmas Day picnics on Wetton Hill.

In 2001 Neil became emeritus professor at Derby University and, although he took retirement in 2008, he continued to the last weeks of his life collaborating with colleagues and preparing papers for publication.

Neil's first marriage ended in divorce; he and I were married in 1983. He is survived by me; Peggy; his children, Pauline and Steven; three stepchildren, Iain, Lorna and Mary; and seven grandchildren.