The Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Pembroke Emeritus Fellow Michael Kuczynski, known to many simply as ‘Mr Pembroke’, following a brief illness.
Michael came up to Pembroke as an Exhibitioner in mathematics in 1959, later switching to economics. He was elected a Fellow of Pembroke in 1972, since guiding the studies of several generations of the College’s economics students until his retirement in 2008.
Michael was a longstanding friend of CURUFC, and particularly beloved by players studying economics, to whom guidance and academic support was readily offered. He is particularly remembered by those who encountered him either in the classroom, or at CURUFC matches, for his kindness and his urbane demeanour.
We share the sentiments expressed in a statement from Pembroke’s Master, Professor Polly Blakesley, who reflected:
“Michael had a generosity of spirit that inspired a life-long affection in Pembroke students, staff and Fellows. He was peerless, self-effacing, supportive, and seemingly ageless. His encyclopaedic knowledge about the working and history of the College was relied upon by many, yet he wore his learning lightly. His passing is a profound loss to Pembroke.”
Our thoughts are with Michael’s brother Pedro Pablo, his family, godchildren and his friends.