Gerry Lavery, a former social sciences lecturer at Leeds Polytechnic, has died aged 74. He taught at the institution, which later became Leeds Beckett University, from 1986 until his retirement in 2012.
Lavery initially taught students training to be social workers, later specialising in social policy and politics. He was influenced by liberation theologians and the writings of Italian Marxist philosopher Antonio Gramsci.
Born in Easington, County Durham, Lavery graduated from Teesside Polytechnic with a social studies degree in 1976 and gained a certificate in social policy from York University. He worked as a social worker in Bradford and Halifax, and for Nottingham social services, before beginning his lecturing career.
Following his retirement, Lavery joined the Unite union. He was involved in campaigning for change, notably working with Unite community members to reverse Leeds City Council's decision to cease providing school transport for teenagers with special needs. He also supported the community cafe at All Hallows church in Leeds.
Lavery entered into a civil partnership with Christine McKay in 2023. He is survived by Chris and his siblings, Ann, Susan, Stephen and Tony.