Words by Dr Karen Hughes and Professor Paula Williamson
It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our friend and colleague Kath Forrest.
Kath joined the University in 2005 in the Centre for Medical Statistics and Health Evaluation. As Head Administrator at this new University Centre, from the beginning Kath contributed to its growth and success through her strong work ethic and team spirit.
Over the years Kath oversaw many changes within the Centre, welcoming new members of staff and students to the team and managing several building moves, helping to establish the well-respected Department of Biostatistics.
Prior to joining the University, Kath worked closely with colleagues whilst in her role providing secretarial support to Professor Matthew Peak at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Describing Kath as a great support and friend, Professor Peak said “Kath always had a cheery disposition and a wry sense of humour and we enjoyed making humorous observations about the world in general. She was very grounded and interacted with every colleague with honesty and a ‘can do’ attitude. We were a little team, laying the foundations for a research enterprise which would become far bigger in the future: Kath was there at the start!”
Kath will be remembered by her colleagues for her warmth and generosity, witty sense of humour, and passion for Liverpool Football Club and Westlife.
On Kath’s passing, Professor Paula Williamson, previously Head of the Department of Biostatistics, said “Kath was someone we could always rely on, rely on to be calm in the face of a challenge, rely on to greet you with a smile. She had an incredible skill of getting people on side, invaluable as our group was changing and expanding. We were lucky to have worked with Kath, and her contribution to making our Department the success that it is will always be remembered.“.
Kath will be greatly missed by her many friends and colleagues at the University and our thoughts are with her daughters Joanne and Catherine, and their families, at this sad time.