Tim had a long association with Victoria and made a huge contribution to the University over many decades, as a student, a staff member, a respected historian, a senior academic leader, a member of the University Council and in the role of Chancellor from January 2005 to December 2009. He served on a wide range of University committees and played a pivotal role in establishing the renowned Victoria University art collection.
His significant contribution was recognised in 2013 when the area adjoining the Hub was named in his honour as the Tim Beaglehole Courtyard.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Guilford says Tim Beaglehole leaves Victoria with a rich and lasting legacy.
“He was an outstanding scholar and one of the University’s enduring supporters. There will be many staff at Victoria who have worked with Tim over the years and will feel this loss keenly.
“The Victoria community acknowledges the passing of a great New Zealander and a true friend of Victoria.”
Tim graduated from Victoria with a Bachelor of Arts in 1954 and a Master of Arts in 1956. He went on to gain a Master of Arts and a PhD from Cambridge University in the United Kingdom.
After his return to New Zealand, he joined the History Department at Victoria, in 1960, and spent the rest of his career here, apart from a year at Harvard as a Harkness Fellow.
As a student, Tim was involved in the University’s sporting life, receiving Blues Awards in harriers and fencing. After becoming a staff member, he continued to be a keen supporter of students’ cultural and sporting pursuits. In recognition of this, in 1995, he was made a life member of the Victoria University of Wellington’s Students’ Association.
Tim was appointed as a Reader in History in 1969, as Dean of the Faculty of Arts in 1979, and was Deputy Vice-Chancellor from 1983 to 1987. From 1989 to 1991 he was Chairperson of History and in 1992 became Executive Dean of Arts until his retirement in 1994. In 1995 he was awarded the title of Emeritus Professor.
After retiring from the University, he continued his involvement with Victoria, serving for many years on the University Council.
He published works on New Zealand and Indian history during his career and continued to research and write after retirement. In 2007 the book he wrote on his father, historian John Beaglehole, A Life of J.C. Beaglehole, New Zealand Scholar, was shortlisted for the Montana New Zealand Book Awards.
Tim also made a significant contribution to the wider community through his public service, holding the positions of Chair of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust from 1990 to 1996 and Deputy Chair of the board of the New Zealand National Art Gallery from 1979 to 1992.
Tim is survived by his wife Helen, his three children and seven grandchildren. His funeral service will be held at Old St Paul’s in Mulgrave Street on 12.30 pm this Friday, 24 July.
Note: hear Tim Beaglehole discuss Victoria’s acquisition of Colin McCahon’s art work Gate 111.