Tribute to Andy Parrish

Andy Parrish had the unlikeliest beginning for a Chairman of KCLA; his course in Chemical Engineering having been discontinued while he was still a student, he was transferred to UCL from which, indeed, he graduated.

However, his loyalties to King’s were never in doubt, having played rugby for the XV and led the KCL Student Union, He embarked on a career in industry which, in the 60s, was the destination of many an engineer. He was in his element there and enjoyed the problem solving and executive elements of the job. Andy was interested in deliverables and was happy with a spreadsheet and a clear objective; Andy was a do-er and duly rose to be a Managing Director.

He arrived at the KCLA having previously been set the objective of restoring the National Stud to profitability: which he did for the first time in living memory of the institution. This had entailed the taking of hard decisions which had not made him popular; but, as a man used to making hard decisions, he did not court popularity or adopt its manner. Those who understood his considerable abilities were willing to support him and he was able, for instance, to elicit unprecedented financial expertise from the alumni body and develop that into a coherent and properly costed role for the KCLA.

Alongside this record of achievement, what many did not see was Andy’s sense of humour and good-natured mischievousness. He had a fully developed sense of fun and a sharp eye for human foible; out of public earshot, Andy’s presiding sound was a giggle. He collected memorabilia with real connoisseurship and left a considerable archive behind him. He was truly knowledgeable about the worlds of racing and sport. He engaged friends from all parts of his career and interests and enjoyed a vibrant social life. He will be greatly missed.