We are very sad to report that Pete Duff passed away a few weeks ago after a long struggle with depression which he hid so successfully from those around him. It eventually got the better of him as he died by his own hand.
Pete was a pleasant and sociable person and bridge player. He really enjoyed his bridge and was fast improving having come through the classes at the Bridge Club and spending several years happily playing in Nova before moving on to play other evenings. He had recently joined the committee and was able to give wise counsel. At the bridge table he had a very friendly manner which put his partners and opponents alike at ease.
Pete was born in Edinburgh in 1954 where he had a happy upbringing – his father was also a professor, of Geology. He was the oldest of three children, his brother survives him, but his younger sister tragically died last year.
He came to Aberdeen in 1972 to study Law and has considered it his home ever since. After graduating in 1976 he spent brief spells as a research assistant at Oxford and Edinburgh universities, before returning to Aberdeen as a lecturer over 40 years ago.
He enjoyed his work and became Professor of Criminal Justice over 30 years ago. He was a well-respected colleague who quickly gained an international reputation which led to sabbaticals in Fiji and Hong Kong where he was accompanied by his wife. He was much loved as a lecturer and mentor and was very proud of his pupils from all over the world who often went on to excel in their field. He had renown as a mentor of younger staff who he always had time to guide and encourage. He became Director of Research of the College of Arts and Social Sciences and was, for a while, the Interim Head of College.
In 1999 he was appointed as one of the first members of the new Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission which investigates and reviews potential miscarriages of justice. He was a commissioner until 2007 reviewing many interesting cases including that of the Lockerbie bomber. He was also a member of the McInnes Committee on Summary Criminal Justice which sat in 2002-2003. Above all Pete was a great family man and friend. He will be sorely missed by them, all whom he helped along the way and those who enjoyed a game of bridge with him.