The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Professor at the heart of town’s life
Gordon Walkden, who has died aged 77, was a geology professor, a finder of prehistoric rocks and the decipherer of hidden royal artworks.
But for those who knew him best he wasn’t just Aberdeenshire’s answer to Indiana Jones – he was a man who devoted himself to serving his community.
He was born in 1944 in Edinburgh, one of three children for architect John Stanley Walkden and his wife Margaret Isabel, who bred boxer dogs. The family later moved to Beckenham in Greater London.
A keen fossil collector from a young age, he was enthused further when he got his first bike and could cover more ground.
Gordon attended Manchester University to study geology.
“Being someone who peaked later helped shape Gordon’s teaching career. He knew what it was like to achieve later,” said Mary, Gordon’s wife.
Mary Begg and Gordon first met on the train leaving London for university. Their first date was to watch Top of the Pops being filmed in Manchester.
On graduating the couple both began PhDs but Mary’s studies were interrupted by the birth of their first child, Graham.
In 1970, Gordon was offered a job at Aberdeen University.
The couple moved to Banchory and had two more children, Andrew and Catherine.
As years advanced he was appointed head of geology and petroleum geology. He was the first director of teaching and learning for the college of physical sciences, and was head of college of physical sciences until retiring in 2011.
Gordon published countless papers including one detailing a piece of rock from the Triassic period, which he found in a quarry in the Cotswolds.
In the late ’70s he became involved with Banchory youth club held in the games hall at the Academy.
He was also chairman of Banchory Community Council before he was elected Banchory district councillor for Kincardine and Deeside in 1984. He founded Banchory Heritage Society in 1992.
In his retirement Gordon continued speaking on and researching geological topics.
Over the last five years he accepted an invitation to identify some of the marbles used in the Albert Memorial Chapel in Windsor and produced an extensive report on the hidden meanings behind the magnificent pietre dure decor for the archives.
He is survived by Mary, his daughter Catherine and her husband David, and their children. He is predeceased by sons Graham and Andrew.