Curtin University economist passes away
Curtin University’s highly respected economist, Professor Peter Kenyon, has passed away after a battle with cancer.
Peter Kenyon was Professor of Economic Policy at Curtin and developed the economics curriculum for our MBA program.
Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket said that Peter’s passing was a sad loss for the Curtin community.
“Peter’s economic expertise was interwoven with his deep sense of social justice and equity,” Professor Hacket said.
“He will be fondly remembered by colleagues and students for his innate ability to present the driest economic policy within a humanitarian context.”
Professor Kenyon was the Chair of the WA Advisory Board of the ‘Big Issue’, a street paper that assists homeless, long-term unemployed and disadvantaged people.
His research interests included labour economics and the Australian labour market, regulatory economics and competition policy and the theory and practice of economic policy.
During his tenure at Curtin, Professor Kenyon was the Director of the Institute for Research into International Competitiveness (IRIC) and heavily involved in research and development within the Curtin Business School.
Professor Kenyon’s great love of fine food and wine saw him establish his own cooking school, “The Cooking Professor” and travel extensively throughout Europe with his wife, Jan.
Curtin University extends its condolences to Peter’s family, associates and many friends.
A very special man, a fine mind, a great teacher, compassionate and kind, and a wonderful cook. A very sad loss to the West Australian and Australian community.
RIP Peter
Dr Janice Baker
Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Deakin University, Melbourne
A great teacher indeed. It was only through his patience that I got through econometrics at Murdoch. And 10 years later he still remembered me. A characteristic that is always appreciated.
Dr Joanne Loundes
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Peter was a giant of a man in terms of intellect, heart and spirit, always looking for ways to advance social justice and equity locally and across the world. Peter was an outstanding advocate and ambassador for Curting University and for his profession of economics. While I never experienced his cooking, I did experience his energy, expertise, charm and wit and can sincerely say I am a better person for having known him for the little time I did.
Peter was one of my thesis supervisors at the Melbourne Institute. He was such a pleasure to work with, a man of passionate good humour, intelligence and compassion. Am very sad to hear of his passing.