A tribute to Guy Percival
26 Sep 2019
Last month we were saddened to learn of the passing of recently retired University colleague Guy Percival
Guy worked at The University of Manchester for 32 years, mostly in what is now IT Services. At retirement last December, he was the IT Strategic Business Partner for the Faculty of Humanities.
Guy tragically passed away after a short, unexpected illness, and was laid to rest on 5 September surrounded by his family, friends and many former colleagues.
One colleague, Cath Dyson, has kindly shared some memories. She said: “Guy was a well-respected, liked and loved colleague, manager and friend. I came into Guy’s team in 2004 in what was the Faculty of Arts Computer Support Unit, and then worked with him in the Faculty of Humanities. He personally made me feel welcome, respected and valued from day one. Guy was very talented at building and maintaining supportive relationships with his team – he would have had differences with people, but ultimately he won people round through his genuinely funny, charming and engaging personality”.
Cath went on to say: “I valued Guy as a mentor as he supported me through my early years as a line manager – he was always there to provide advice, guidance and a welcome distraction. Guy always made himself available in what I can only call his second office – outside Samuel Alexander Building. Whether it was a quick chat about work or not, he always had an open door.”
Colleagues described Guy as a keen musician – a real character who used to wear a gas mask on stage. Commenting, they said he always seemed relaxed, happy and to be enjoying life. We know that Guy will be sorely missed by all who worked with him, particularly those like Cath whose working relationship extended into genuine friendship.
Malcolm Whitehouse, the University’s Chief Information Officer, added: “On behalf of all of Guy’s senior management colleagues – we all are greatly saddened by his untimely passing. He gave the University many years of valuable service as well as being a valued member of our management team. Knowing Guy as I did, I think he would want us to remember him as he was – in work with some very considered and intelligent input to our plans, and outside work, a smile on his face, ready for a beer and a game of pool (which he always won).”
Guy leaves behind his wife Andrea and his son Lloyd to whom extended well wishes are sent from colleagues and friends at The University. His family have asked for any charitable donations to be made to the North West Air Ambulance, if you choose to do so.