Obituary - Dr Peter Hackett OBE FREng HonFIMMM
Dr Peter Hackett was a respected figure in the field of mining education and the former Principal of the Camborne School of Mines
Dr Peter Hackett OBE FREng HonFIMMM
1 November 1933 - 24 September 2024
Dr Peter Hackett passed away peacefully at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, on 24 September 2024, at the age of 90.
Born in Nottingham in 1933 to a bus conductor and a factory worker, Peter was one of two siblings. His early years were marked by academic promise, earning a scholarship to Mundella Grammar School in 1944. He became the first in his family to attend university, completing a 1st class degree in Mining Engineering and later a PhD in Rock Mechanics at University of Nottingham. During this time, he also met his future wife, Esme Lloyd, with whom he shared a lifelong partnership, reaching their diamond wedding anniversary in 2018. They married in January 1958 and had two children, Nick and Cathie. In that same year, his love of cars and rallying saw him create the Nottingham chapter of the Riley Register.
At just 37 years old, Peter accepted the role of Principal at the Camborne School of Mines in Cornwall, a position he held from 1970 to 1994. During his tenure, he transformed the institution into a globally recognised leader in mining and minerals education. He developed modern degree courses and postgraduate research programmes and was instrumental in the school's eventual merger with the University of Exeter. Under his leadership, the School relocated to a state-of-the-art facility in Pool in 1975 which was oō¸°€icially opened by HRH Queen Elizabeth II. Peter also played a pivotal role in the groundbreaking Geothermal Hot Rocks project at Rame, securing significant EU funding for renewable energy research.
In recognition of his contributions to the mining industry and education, Peter was made a Fellow of the Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (IMM) in 1989 and served as its President from 1989 to 1990. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineers and was awarded an OBE for his services to mining education. In 1993, Peter was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Cornwall, representing Her Majesty the Queen at numerous formal engagements across the county until 2008. Between 2005 and 2012 he also served as President of the Camborne branch of his favourite charity, the RNLI.
Peter remained active throughout his life, maintaining a daily routine of swimming, walking or cycling, as well as frequent table tennis games. After Esme’s passing in 2018, he continued to live independently in the family home which he designed in 1970. His many passions extended beyond academia, including a deep love for sailing. A long-time member of the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, Peter was a dedicated racer, regularly competing in dinghy and keelboat events. Among his many accomplishments and club trophies, he proudly won the Falmouth Week Champagne Race. Peter also served on the House Committee for several years.
An enthusiast of all things mechanical - classic cars, motorbikes, and steam engines - Peter spent his retirement rebuilding and enjoying vintage & classic vehicles, including a yellow GT6 and later his treasured Lancia Fulvia. His love for engineering history also led him to explore the mining towns of Colorado and revisit steam train routes in the Rocky Mountains.
Peter's enduring curiosity and enthusiasm for life never waned. He embraced modern technology, staying connected with family and friends, and remained engaged with current affairs. A devoted father and grandfather, he cherished the time spent with his family, both in person and online.
Dr. Peter Hackett leaves behind a remarkable legacy in education, engineering, and the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed by his children, Nick and Cathie, and their families, as well as by his many friends, colleagues, and former students.
A service in celebration of Peter’s life will be held at Camborne Crematorium at 3pm on October 9th, 2024. A live link will be available. He will be remembered as an extraordinary individual whose contributions and spirit will not be forgotten.
By Cathie Clarke
