Victor was undoubtedly one of the giants of international boundary studies, and arguably the pre-eminent scholar in the field. He once wrote - with typical generosity - that "The International Boundaries Research Unit has made a larger published contribution to the study of international boundaries in general than any other individual or organisation in the history of the discipline." I always felt slightly uncomfortable with that accolade, as I suspect that Victor on his own may have had a stronger claim!
Victor was hugely supportive of those he admired - and never afraid to challenge people with whom he disagreed. I never met anyone in either category who didn't respect him enormously. He will be sorely missed.
m a r t i n
From: International boundaries discussion list <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of Brendan Whyte
Sent: 16 August 2018 21:29
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Vale J.R.V. (Victor) Prescott
Colleagues,
It is with great personal sadness that I inform you that Emeritus Professor J.R.V. (Victor) Prescott passed away earlier this morning. He had been in declining health for some time.
Victor was a long-standing scholar and expert in the field of international boundaries, both on land and sea, and the author of many books, articles and newspaper pieces.
His wife Dorothy has compiled a biography and bibliography of Victor's life and works, which are available online, fittingly hosted by the International Boundaries Research Unit at Durham University, Victor's alma mater.
https://www.dur.ac.uk/ibru/research/maps/prescott/
Victor was truly a scholar and a gentleman, an internationally-renowned expert in his field, and a personal inspiration and mentor to me. His expertise in international boundaries was the reason I moved to Melbourne University to study under him. After graduation, I was also privileged to be asked to co-author an article with him.
Victor will be farewelled at a private cremation. Further details will be published in the Melbourne newspapers the 'Herald Sun' and 'Melbourne Age' on Monday (20 Aug.).
Brendan Whyte
Dr Brendan Whyte
Assistant Curator of Maps
National Library of Australia
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