Vale Geoffrey Colin Harcourt, AC
Jubilee Fellow Geoff Harcourt passed away peacefully on the morning of the 7th of December 2021. He had celebrated his 90th birthday in June.
Geoff had a remarkably distinguished career, which resulted in a long list of international honours. He published more than 30 books and 400 articles, making particularly notable contributions to post-Keynesian economics, capital theory and economic thought. He leaves behind an outstanding professional legacy.
But he contributed beyond his prolific activities as an economist. Having a burning dislike of injustice and intolerance, he sought to build a more just and equitable society. From being active in the anti-Vietnam War movement in Adelaide in the 1960s through to mentoring Indigenous students doing undergraduate and graduate courses at UNSW in his later years, Geoff followed his convictions with his actions.
For all his achievements and passions, Geoff was always down to earth, always interested in people, always quick with witty and insightful comments. He was able to listen with intent or hold forth on topics ranging from the latest economics seminar he attended through to the time he was at a tea party with Winston Churchill at Buckingham Palace.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Joan, and his children, Wendy, Robert, Tim and Rebecca and four grandchildren Caterina, Emma Claire, Yunshi and Jhen.
His intellect, his camaraderie and the mischievous twinkle in his eye will be missed by many.
Further details of his remarkable life and career can be found from a website created as part of his 90th birthday celebrations: https://www.geoffharcourt.com/
The Conversation: https://theconversation.com/remembering-geoff-harcourt-the-beating-heart-of-australian-economics-173330 Cambridge: https://www.econ.cam.ac.uk/news/vale-geoff-harcourt-27-june-1931-7-december-2021
The funeral service will be held on Friday 17th December at 10am AEDT. For those who wish to attend the service or view the livestream, please contact Rebecca.harcourt@unsw.edu.au
Professor Kevin Fox, FASSA, Chair Panel B.