Gerry Lavery, a former social sciences lecturer at Leeds Polytechnic (later Leeds Beckett University) and dedicated campaigner for social justice, has died aged 74. A modest man, he made a significant impact on many people’s lives.
Career in education and social work
Gerry taught at Leeds Polytechnic from 1986 until his retirement in 2012. He initially taught students training to be social workers, before focusing on teaching social policy and politics.
With a strong sense of social justice, Gerry was influenced in his early years by the work of liberation theologians and inspired by the writings of the Italian Marxist philosopher Antonio Gramsci. He frequently referred to Gramsci’s maxim “pessimism of the intellect, optimism of the will” and always strove to put his principles into practice.
Early life and education
Born in Easington, County Durham, to Mary (nee Curran), a homemaker, and Stan Lavery, a miner, Gerry was the eldest of six children. Growing up in Seaham, he developed a reputation for questioning many aspects of life and how it worked.
He attended a junior seminary, St Mary’s Missionary College, Grange Sands, run by the Holy Ghost Fathers (officially the Congregation of the Holy Spirit). He left after his A-levels in 1971, when it was discovered that he had composed dodgy Christmas carols. Gerry took this as a sign to develop his many talents elsewhere.
He graduated from Teesside Polytechnic (now Teesside University) with a degree in social studies in 1976, and then attended York University where he gained a certificate in social policy.
Social work and retirement activism
Gerry started out as a social worker in Bradford in the late 1970s, then gained a social work qualification and a master’s in applied social studies in 1980 at Warwick University (where the author met him). After four years as a social worker in Halifax, he was employed by Nottingham social services from 1984 to 1985.
On retirement in 2012, Gerry joined the Unite union and devoted his considerable energy and skill to challenging inequalities and campaigning for change. One of his most notable successes was working with other Unite community members to get Leeds City Council to reverse its decision to stop providing school transport for teenagers with special needs. He also became involved in supporting the community cafe at All Hallows Church, Leeds, which provides meals for those who are hungry.
Gerry met Christine McKay, also a social worker, in 1980, and they entered into a civil partnership in 2023. Over the years, Gerry and Chris enjoyed many walking holidays in the Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland and Scotland. He was a great lover of Irish music and a fine banjo and guitar player.
Gerry is survived by Chris, and by his siblings, Ann, Susan, Stephen and Tony.
