Howell remembered as a history champion

Associate Professor Peter Howell, who taught History at Flinders University for 30 years and died on March 5, has been remembered by his friends and former colleagues for making a significant contribution to the history of South Australia, especially for his work for the Australian Dictionary of Biography (ADB).

He is noted for having helped make Flinders University an acknowledged centre of research in Australian history.

Born in Devonport, Tasmania on December 25, 1938, he was the only child of Alan Thomas Howell and Mary Alice Howell (née Tolhurst). After schooling at St Virgil’s College, Hobart, he completed an MA in History at the University of Tasmania, winning a scholarship to the University of Cambridge. His doctoral thesis on the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council was later published.

In 1973, Peter married Louise Deakin of Melbourne. Their families had known one another in Tasmania, and their marriage was underpinned by their shared Catholic faith.

Associate Professor Peter Howell

In 1968, Peter was appointed to a lectureship in History at Flinders University. Appointed Associate Professor in 1985, he served as Head of Department in 1989-1990, retiring from teaching in 1999.

Peter was active in bringing history to the community. He was a foundation member of the Historical Society of South Australia in 1974 and served for several years as its president. He advised the Australian and UK governments on legislative matters relating to the Privy Council and chaired the South Australian Constitutional Advisory Council in 1995. These legal and constitutional interests informed his lively survey, South Australia and Federation (2002).

In 1974, he joined the South Australia Working Party of the ADB and in 1996 became chair and state editor. He wrote 46 articles for the ADB, with insight and wit, on a wide range of individuals connected with South Australia. In recognition of his outstanding contribution, in 2016 he was awarded the Medal of the ADB.

During the past four years, Peter’s health declined. He died at the Mary Potter Hospice, survived by Louise, his children Catherine, John and Elizabeth, and three grandchildren.

 

 

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