THE life of a "true old-fashioned gentleman" and one Devon's greatest historians who lectured at Exeter University for almost 50 years has been celebrated by family, friends and colleagues.
To his family Professor Ivan Roots, who lectured into his nineties, was ever-encouraging, tender hearted, and utterly dependably with his love.
To his colleagues, he was compelling, genuine, honest and generous. And to his students, he was an inspiration, a man of erudition, passion and warmth, and to all, "a lovely man".
He died this month aged 93 and had been lecturing across the country until recently.
Prof Roots took up the post of Chair in History in 1967, shortly after writing The Great Rebellion, which became the standard textbook on the English Civil War and served as Dean of the Faculty of Arts and as Head of Department until his retirement in 1985.
A husband to Tegwyn, father to Gerrard and Catherine and grandfather to Conrad, Harriet, Francis and Venetia, Prof Roots was for many years one of the university's best known academics across the country.
He was president of the Devonshire Association in 2004 and president of the Devon History Society from 1989 to 1993. His last book was Cromwellian and Restoration Devon (Oliver Cromwell).
Colleague, friend, and fellow lecturer and historian, Dr Todd Gray described Prof Roots as "a major figure amongst Devon historians" and lauded his skill as a speaker.
"Ivan remained one of the most sincerely warm, genuine and honest men that Exeter University has produced," he said.
"His humanity is remembered across Exeter today because he treated everyone – his students, fellow academics and support staff – equally.
"The words "a true old-fashioned gentleman" have been repeated to me – it has been a privilege to not just know one of Devon's great historians but be his friend."
He added: "He thought that acquiring knowledge was only the first step: For him it was equally important to communicate it as effectively as possible.
"Ivan thrilled his students with compelling lectures. Until just recently, he spoke to audiences, without notes, for an hour. He had audiences spellbound."
Prof Roots was a prolific lecturer with the Historical Association and president of the Exeter branch and was one of a small number to be appointed an Association Fellow in 2005. He was also president of The Cromwell Association.
Longstanding colleague, Dr Bruce Coleman, described Prof Roots as "eclectic, not bounded by dogma and theory, always ready to look at new information and ideas".
"His personal warmth, the tolerance and enjoyment of others, was unmissable. He had strong loyalties and loyalty came from others in return. He was a distinguished figure, but there was no swank or pomposity.
"Colleagues who knew him would concur in seeing him as "a lovely man", but there was more to it than a superficiality: Love there was – as a husband, father and family man, as a practitioner of a discipline he adored, as a colleague and a friend."
