Condolence Book

It is with great sadness that the University of Birmingham has learned of the death of Professor Peter Sinclair, Emeritus Professor in the Department of Economics. 
Following a brief period of illness due to Covid-19, Professor Sinclair passed away on 31 March 2020, at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. 

 

You are welcome to submit a message of condolence here, which will be reviewed before publishing.

• Your message
• Your name and title
• Your department, faculty or institution (as applicable)
• Submit

We have just received the terribly sad news that Professor Peter Sinclair, who joined Birmingham as Professor of Economics in 1994, has died after battling with the effects of Coronavirus. Our thoughts and deep sympathies are with his family. Peter was a great figure in two universities.

He is widely known as David Cameron’s tutor when the future Prime Minister was his student at Brasenose College, Oxford. The record of Peter’s students who went on to great things is remarkable, and a remarkable testimony to him as a great teacher. Peter was a very fine economist, and an economist who believed that economics was not a ‘dismal science’ but a discipline that, properly practiced, would and should make the world a better place. I remember Peter as someone who was wholeheartedly committed to our University, to making the experience of students better, and to giving many access to, and understanding of, the discipline of economics.

He was a self-effacing but much-loved presence at events I hosted, always appreciative of the insights and kindness of others, gentle but authoritative in everything he said, and someone whose company many people relished. In the sadness of his loss we remember how much he gave, and how generously he did it.

Professor Sir David Eastwood
Vice-Chancellor and Principal
University of Birmingham

Peter’s death from this insidious virus is a devastating loss for our community. A post-Peter world will be a darker place. We will miss his joyful approach to life, his kindness and commitment to his colleagues and to his students, generations of whom have been inspired by his passion and love for economics.

We are heartbroken but will keep Peter’s vibrancy alive in our memories. My thoughts are with Peter’s family and all of those who loved Peter and whose lives were influenced by this great man.  

Professor Kimberley Scharf
Head of the Department of Economics
University of Birmingham

Peter was a well-loved colleague, not just by our colleagues in Economics, but also by many across the School. He had endless time for colleagues and students, and was always passionate and enthused when discussing how Economics could make the world a better place. He was always keen to ask me how things were going in the School and I appreciated his informative and humorous views.

I know that his passing will hit our colleagues in the Economics Department particularly hard, but many across the School have a genuine affection for Peter and appreciated his contribution to the life of our Department and School. My thoughts are with his family, colleagues, and friends at this very sad time.  

Professor Cathy Cassell
Dean, Birmingham Business School

PETER SINCLAIR  18.9.1946  -  31.3.2020

I just wanted to thank so many, many people who have had the pleasure of Peter's extraordinary character touching their lives at some stage. I am completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and admiration for him; he was so multi-faceted I sometimes feel I hardly know the person you speak of.

The Peter I knew was a teenager with that brilliant life ahead of him.  We pootled around the Norfolk lanes in his funny old car and in boats at Blakeney. He invited me to a May ball at Brasenose in his first year of teaching, and he typically sought me out without my address  while I was studying in Leicester, and likewise in Brighton where I was teaching. But then our ways parted and it was not until Shelagh had died that I had an email saying he was to be lecturing in New Zealand where I was living and could we meet up.

I instantly wrote back to say that I had left NZ  and was in London working. I will never forget his face as he mounted the stairs at Kew Bridge station.

It was still the old Peter, so joyous as he waved furiously and much to my embarrassment, but he was heartbroken and lonely after Shelagh’s death.

And so began another chapter of his life. I think he felt that through me he could recover his love of painting and poetry, have a healthier country life and enjoy the domestic role of a new family, his now, stepsons Joe and Murray and his grandchildren Felix and Freya. He became the perfect family man and loved it. Many of his old friends joined us in this new life in Sheringham.

We were different in so many ways and I wondered how we could work together as a couple.  I challenged him constantly about political issues  and we endlessly discussed his religion and my devotion to Gaia, both of us  softening in the process;  I do feel we influenced one another’s  ideas and thinking.

Peter’s bedtime readings were typically Peter. Welsh, Finnish, and Estonian dictionaries. He was planning to write a book on his theory of the origin of the English language. We had ‘trained and boated’ round the Baltic states 2 summers ago and he was building up his theory that the English language was closely linked to Estonian via the Orkney Isles,  as so many of our East coast names have Estonian similarities.

Words cannot express my sorrow as I looked at his quiet face in the Covid ward and realised that our life together had ended. One by one the life support systems were turned off. I thought maybe there might be a moment when I could speak  to him one last time. As I stroked his feet the consultant said ‘He left us two weeks ago... we have done everything we could.'

I will miss him terribly, we all will.

Jayne Ivimey  April 2^nd 2020

So many good observations have been made about Peter the person and Peter the economist. All true and it may be helpful to give just a brief glimpse here into one or two aspects of the young Peter and Peter the family member.

Our parents realised from the start that Peter was somebody special. Mum told me that when Peter was two and a half and I was yet to be born, they decided to test the waters gently so our father casually asked Peter what was the name of the foreign minister of China. According to mum Peter, who was sitting quietly in the room, gave dad a quizzical look as if to say “why are you asking me, don’t you know?” then said simply Zhou Enlai.

Growing up with such a brother as Peter seemed nothing special because I knew no different. We lived in Stanmore and went up to North Norfolk sometimes to see our grandmother. The road to Blakeney took us on to the Holt - Cromer Ridge which has low hills being a moraine. When Peter was four a teacher at St Brendan’s school Stanmore told the class that Norfolk was flat. Peter piped up and said that Norfolk had some hills. The teacher was furious at being contradicted and smacked Peter for telling lies. I believe that the school then complained to my parents about Peter contradicting the teacher, to them this was the worst of crimes. My parents were naturally livid and had it out with the school instructing them at some length on the topology of Norfolk and perhaps other matters. Mum never forgot that incident and neither did she forgive St Brendan’s for their treatment of Peter. That is how I knew about it. I believe that this incident formed part of his psyche under the heading “how a teacher should not behave”.

Peter at school in Norfolk was difficult to place as his natural talents so clearly surpassed those of others. He was a one off. There was no perfect solution to the conundrum. He ended up in a class whose average age was four years older than him. When Peter had no problems with school work which was testing others in his class he developed the habit of saying that he was just lucky to be able to do it whilst not being good at sport. By keeping his light as far as possible under the proverbial bushel he avoided the ire and hostility of his class mates. Trumpet blowing has never been his way. When we were clearing out the family house I came across a letter from his old headmaster saying that Peter must not be worried if he did not that year win the scholarship he wanted for Oxford for, after all, he was only fifteen. Peter won his Greats scholarship, converted to a PPE scholarship due to a personal recommendation by Sir Roy Harrod, and the rest is history. Peter’s life was always compartmentalised. Wonderful things will continue to be said about him as a person and his special abilities.

In Sinclair family terms he was a wonderful; son to our parents, brother to me, uncle to Jessica, Perdita and James, a loving great uncle to Bluebell, Willow, Dylan, Lara, Niko, Alexi and Ariadne with a great close continuing friendship with my ex Adele and her husband Richard. He always continued great contact and relationship with his first wife Shelagh’s large family in Canada. He kept in regular frictionless contact with our many cousins many of whom he travelled across the globe to visit. They all loved him. Our great sadness was that despite thirty years of happy marriage he and Shelagh never had children. I would have loved to be an uncle and it would have been superb for my three to have his children as cousins. Shelagh Heffernan as many of you will know was a wonderful person as well as being Peter’s intellectual equal as a brilliant economist and indeed teacher. They wrote books together and complemented each other very well in their thirty years together starting in 1980. In later life after a period of deep loneliness following the untimely and cruel loss of Shelagh in 2010 he found happiness again with Jayne whom he married in 2016. It is indescribable how we his family feel now. Peter is and will forever be missed by us. 

Michael Sinclair
Peter's beloved brother

A noisy restaurant, a family gathering; an alert and busy man at the head of the table, speaking, observing, laughing. Always on the lookout for the stragglers, the new arrivals. You enter the room and pause, uncertain where to go. And up he would leap, a shouted gleeful greeting. An enfolding hug and an immediate decision of where you will be placed in among his family and friends. Introductions made to those you don’t yet know; detailed but succinct, with all your best qualities summarized and explained. He would let you know that he would give you his rapt attention at some stage, but for now he was concerned to get everyone settled and the event under way. But you had that glow of knowing that someone has just lauded you. Who on earth does that sort of thing? Peter.

Like all of you, I am numb and sad and shocked by the sudden change in his health. Statistics about this worldwide disaster have become so personal and so tragic now. And this past two weeks of his dramatic illness has meant that I have had time to think of him and reflect, to hope I could say these things to him when he returned. I am sure he knew that he was an inspiring son, brother, and then student, teacher, devoted husband and mentor. He had a voracious desire to know and to learn and to pass it on. And to make a connection with people. Especially if that involved greeting whoever he met in their mother tongue; so much knowledge, such enthusiasm. Curiosity. But I don’t think he realised that the biggest lesson he taught many of us was that it was fine to be a little bit different. To be creative, to wonder, or accept your eccentricities; to step outside the expected conventions and do something that you knew was right even if others advised the contrary. He taught me that being different was perfectly acceptable within that tribe he gathered around him.

His tribe of immediate family, his distant cousins that only he understood in relation to the rest, his colleagues, his adored nieces and nephews. His friends. He would hate that his own thanksgiving or memorial service won’t be of his choosing. Not only because it is 30 years too soon, but because we won’t be together. His tribe won’t be able to celebrate him and his extraordinary life in the way he deserves. So I hope we will all be able to meet up properly when this ghastly virus is gone. The virus that has taken him from us. I am so sad for all of us. Especially for Jayne, and Marco. And that the next generation of children won’t get to have that immediate magic of his presence and his thoughtful guidance and laughter and wonder. They will just have to endure us telling marvellous stories about him. But it won’t feel the same. 

Lindy Sinclair
On behalf of his many cousins in Australia and Britain

In Memoriam:  Peter Sinclair 

It is so very hard to write of the passing of a man who I knew for nearly forty years.  As my teacher, M.Phil. examiner, co-editor, and colleague in Oxford and then in Birmingham, Peter's life and work intersected mine in so many different ways, like the tendrils of a vine.  The vine is an appropriate metaphor for Peter, because for so many of us, at different stages of our lives, he was a nurturing presence, a source of confidence and encouragement, and  a person who communicated, even when he may not have always felt it, an unbridled sense of optimism. 

It is hard to forget his M.Phil. lectures in Oxford, his dense notes containing almost every article that had ever been written on a topic.  It was impossible to keep up with his deep reading of the literature and the connections he was able to make across topics and themes.  There was the added bonus of toast and tea during the last week of lectures, served in the panelled lecture theatre in Brasenose where I think we had our macroeconomics (money) lectures.   

I was too much of a hide-bound micro theorist in those days and it was a little later that our academic interests began to coincide and I learnt to appreciate the breadth of his interests and his command of his subject.  Many were the afternoons, in informal seminars, we spent in Jim Mirlees' study in Nuffield, where the lunches (on days it was Peter's turn for food) were replete with cheeses and dates and plump oranges.  Optimal monetary policy rules or infinitely repeated games were somehow made much more bearable in the process. 

It will be for others, in the days to come, to write in detail of Peter's important contributions to our profession - of his unstinting devotion to his students in Oxford and Birmingham, his long stint as editor of Oxford Economic Papers, his custodianship of the Easter School of the Royal Economic Society based in Birmingham for many years, and his work with the Bank of England.  My last email exchange with Peter was on the day he went to hospital and was about a prospective Ph.D. student. He wrote in a hurry asking me to make contact with the student.  I wished him well and said I would talk to him later.  His many emails are in my system - I shall look over them with fondness and with a considerable sense of sadness. 

Peter was a kind and generous colleague.  In my role as coordinator of the Ph.D. programme in Birmingham he was a great source of support, even after he formally retired from the department.  He was often busy with his travels and could not come to the Thursday presentations but whenever he was able to attend he would and be entertaining and engaged and full of useful advice for our young doctoral students.  The last Ph.D. student he supervised, I supervised jointly with him. Peter's death is a great loss. But we will remember his life with gladness and whilst we will miss his comforting presence, very often at the public computers in the J G Smith Building, he will live amongst us, in our memories, in the students and colleagues he so richly inspired and in all his many good deeds for the people around him and his profession. 

Goodbye Peter.  Rest in peace. 

Anindya Banerjee
Professor of Econometrics
University of Birmingham

Peter Sinclair – a Tribute

The year Peter took up his post as Fellow and Tutor in Economics at Brasenose College, Oxford, I arrived as a callow undergraduate, to read Mathematics. After I switched to PPE at the start of my second term I first encountered Peter as my tutor in Principles of Economics. He was also my tutor in my second and third years. I recollect how tutorials went on for several hours, and how drained I felt afterwards: one had just been through an intense intellectual workout. All students with whom I compared notes about him were immensely impressed by his intellect, his cheerfulness and his ability to converse in numerous languages.

I kept in touch with him both as a graduate student and after I took up my first academic appointment. He was very kind and helpful to me when I was a rookie lecturer. After I took up an academic appointment in the US and enrolled for a doctorate at Oxford, he was happy to be my supervisor. I returned to the UK in 1992, to Birmingham and Peter arrived in 1994, so we had been colleagues since then. It was, of course, a pleasure to have him as a colleague. His contribution to the teaching of economics in the UK (and beyond) was immense. He had an amazing ability to clarify abstruse economic arguments and models, and make clear their essential features. His knowledge of economics was huge. In a time when many of us work as specialists within narrow silos, he knew a massive amount about many different areas of economics, and was able to relate them in a way that no one else, in my experience, does. I would sometimes tell people that if one has met Peter, one would know one has met him! He would make an indelible impression in the best possible way. He really was the world’s nicest person, always showing a huge interest in his interlocutor, and one would inevitably emerge from a conversation with him feeling uplifted.

When I last saw Peter, at a post-seminar dinner on the 4th March, he was in his usual good spirits. So many people in so many countries owe so much to Peter. Having known him for my entire adult life, in so many capacities and for so many decades, I am grieving for him as though I’ve lost a parent. My grief is assuaged to some extent by the thought that it has been an immense privilege to have known such an amazing man.

John Fender
Professor of Macroeconomics
Department of Economics
Birmingham Business School

The deepest apologies for the loss of a great man.

Aaminah Saleem
Department of Political Science and International Studies
University of Birmingham

I have now received and seen many messages from ex students of Peter’s and they all share one theme. This is that at some point Peter was instrumental in encouraging them to overcome a moment of profound academic self-doubt. These ex students have gone on to flourish in their chosen fields. This is just one of the many tributes that will paid to Peter. For me, among many things, I will miss being able to remind Peter that he was the first among us to forecast how severe this pandemic would become. He was always the best at gathering all the evidence and making a succinct assessment.

Dr Marco Ercolani
Senior Lecturer in Econometrics
University of Birmingham

I'd like to offer my deepest sympathy to Peter's family and friends at this sad time.

Andy Buck
Learning and Teaching Officer - TNE
Birmingham Business School

Thank you for all you have done for the University and the people you have touched. Prayers to you and your family.

Mr Eddy Burchett
Department of Political Science and International Studies
University of Birmingham

I knew Peter from his time at the Bank of England. He was a wonderful man and a very good economist! His death is a big shock and a big loss for all of us. My deepest condolences to his family!

Kalin Nikolov
Lead Economist
European Central Bank

It is extremely shocking and heartbreaking to know this sad news. Mr. Sinclair was a great professor and a wise man. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. We will get through this together. Be strong and keep safe. Kind Regards, ZW

Ms. W
Department of Economics

This is the saddest moment that we didn’t see coming. He will he missed by many, but never forgotten.

Dr Silvia Szilagyiova
York St John University

It is very sad news and a great loss for everyone. Although not very long in the department, and as a junior staff, I am always in awe to see Peter still active in research, teaching and department activities. I still remember siting next to him at a department dinner party. He brought so much positive energy to the dinner table and I am still impressed with him talking to various colleagues in their own native languages. He is such a wonderful person, truly and deeply missed by us! Deepest condolences for his family.

Dr. Zhihua Li
Department of Economics

Whilst I was taught by Peter for only a short time, his kindness to those around him was sincere and his passion for economics was unrivalled. He will live on in the minds of those he taught.

Luke Power

Yesterday, I received the sad news that Peter Sinclair is no more. I knew Peter since 2003 when I joined the University of Birmingham as a lecturer. From my first interaction, I realised that this friendly and kind man was also a polymath. His incredibly wide knowledge of the subject and his passion for it was always evident. He was infallibly kind and courteous (it did not matter if you were a senior Professor or a first year student), which is why students through the generations remember him so fondly. He was also the department’s global ambassador, and quite literally so, as he kept up a remarkable travel schedule. My last memory of him is dinner with him after John Vickers’ seminar at Asha’s where he seemed his usual ebullient self. After dinner, I even persuaded him to imitate a Birmingham train conductor (among his less well known gifts, he was a wonderful mimic!). Who knew this would be our last ever interaction. His has been an amazing life and I hope we will be able to find ways to celebrate the achievements of a truly remarkable person.

Siddhartha Bandyopadhyay, Professor of Economics
Department of Economics
University of Birmingham

A lovely man, thoroughly decent. My condolences to his family and friends.

Dr Graham Brownlow
SL in Economics
Queens Management School

Peter was a wonderfully kind man. It was always a pleasure to catch up with him and spend time with him--something that happened many time over the years. We had a brief email exchange earlier this year on some work I was involved with; he had wise words of advice, as always delivered charitably. Of course, he leaves a great professional legacy. But he also leaves us his example as a role model. Rest in Peace.

Charles Nolan
University of Glasgow

On my behalf and that of our colleagues at the University of Kent, our deepest condolences. Peter was a much loved colleague, economist, and friend. He was admired and respected by all. He may be gone, but his values will survive. He will be very much missed.

Miguel Leon-Ledesma, Professor of Economics
School of Economics
University of Kent

Peter Sinclair was by far the best teacher I have ever had in my life. His passion for teaching and economics was demonstrated in every single lecture. What made Peter Sinclair so unique, was how much he really cared about the students. It was an honour to have had the opportunity to be taught by him. I give my condolences to his family, he was truly a brilliant man. I hope he knew how respected and cherished he was by so many students.

Jasmine Law
Student

A true Scholar. I valued your encouragement and enthusiasm. I learned much from your book which I still have. Sleep well Peter.

Kent Matthews (Professor)
Cardiff Business School

The sad news this morning upset me very much and affected me emotionally very deeply. It hit me like the loss of a very close and precious friend and I know it is because of the way you have always been with everyone, a very kind and lovely gentleman, full of energy and zeal for life. Farewell Peter, my prayers are with you and your family.

Dr George John Bratsiotis
Department of Economics
University of Manchester

Many years ago I first met Peter at a conference where he was the discussant of one of my papers. Remarkable in his remarks at that time were not only his good suggestions concerning the content, but also the friendly and very supportive way in which he did his job. In the many years since then I have met Peter again on many occasions and have always felt this human warmth.

Professor Dr. Michael Funke
Department of Economics
Hamburg University

I was only taught by Peter for one term in the third year of my undergrad but his enthusiasm and knowledge of Economics was inspiring. I have never seen a lecture hall as engaged as it was with Peter teaching, he will be sorely missed.

Joshua Gurton
Department of Economics
University of Birmingham

Peter taught me as an undergraduate and remained a friend and mentor. He will be so terribly missed by so many people.

Diane Coyle, Bennett Professor of Public Policy
University of Cambridge

Very sad news. Peter was a truly beautiful human being. Condolences to all his family.

Michael B. Devereux
University of British Columbia Economics

His lecture was full of energy and enthusiasm, sometimes he would use some Mandarin words to joke with Chinese students. He was so friendly, so impressive, so knowledgeable which made his death even more heartbroken and unacceptable. RIP, Peter. He was the best lecturer ever.

Anon.
Money, Banking and Finance student

As my PhD supervisor I have known Peter for 20 years and I have always admired his acumen in understanding especially macro economic phenomena. He could speak so many languages that he could say hello and how are you to the whole world. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues and his academic work will remain as his legacy.

Professor Lisa De Propris
Department of Management
Birmingham Business School

What you taught us is invaluable. You were always present to help us, although you were not obliged to. Wherever you are now, you remain a giant, knowledgeable and inspirational, the teacher that everyone would have liked to have in its academic studies, but most of all, a delightful person always ready to share a smile. PhD presentations and seminars will not be the same without you, but we will keep attending and honouring them and with even much strength because eventually we believe this is what you want for us, to go on and not give up, even in these dark and difficult moments. Thank you Peter, have a safe journey.

Gianluca Bortoletto, PhD candidate
Department of Economics
University of Birmignham

It is very sad to hear Professor Sinclair passed away. I met him several years ago while I was attending the Easter school of the Royal Economic Society in Birmingham, of which he was the main organizer. I was surprised to see such a well-known professor was also kind and approachable to all of us simple students. The economics profession will miss him as a good man as well as an outstanding economist.

Melisso Boschi, PhD
Senate of the Republic of Italy, Research Service

I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of Peter. My most sincere condolences and may our prayers help comfort him.

Franco Fiordelisi
Essex Business School

I am shocked and saddened by the passing of a friend and a colleague. I not only had the pleasure to collaborate with him but he went out of his way to visit me almost 2 summers ago in Waterloo while visiting his father-in-law in Toronto. He would always sign off his messages to me with some Hungarian words, knowing my family’s roots long ago. It give you a glimpse of what kind of individual he was. What a loss!

Pierre Siklos, Professor of Economics
Wilfrid Laurier University

My deepest and sincerest condolences to his family.

Miss Yuanjia Li
Economics

I have known Professor Sinclair for a few years. He was a very intelligent, friendly and humble person. It is a very sad news to hear and I will miss our conversations and his kind guidance in economic matters.

Dr Muhammad Ali Nasir
Leeds Beckett University

Peter was an inspirational figure and an important part of Brasenose life. He will be greatly missed.

David Toube

I first met Peter during my first week at the Bank of England, 14 years ago. I was immediately struck by the enthusiasm he had for his subject but also how much he cared about people. In the subsequent decade and a half I was lucky to interact with Peter on a few pieces of work, and conferences. His advice was always wise, his words were always warm and his generosity of spirit striking, and often moving. This is a terrible loss. I hope we can all take some solace from how many of us have cherished memories of Peter and the profound and positive impact he has had on so many people’s lives.

Nick Butt
Bank of England

Professor Peter Sinclair is one of the teachers I respect the most and the one whose proficiency is highly valued by his students. May him Rest In Peace! Definitely he will be missed forever.

Zhu Li
Economics student

I am deeply saddened to learn this terrible news. I knew Peter through his organisation of the RES Easter School, his work at the CCBS and his external examination contributions at Trinity College Dublin. In addition to his kindness and friendship, I was always struck by his deep knowledge of macroeconomics and monetary economics and his capacity to engage in constructive debate on new research ideas. My condolences to his family and friends.

Philip Lane
European Central Bank, Trinity College Dublin and CEPR

Peter was a true scholar, a font of wisdom and knowledge which he generously shared with all his colleagues and students. He also worked tirelessly for the economics profession in many capacities, especially at the Bank and running Easter Schools---in several of which I had the privilege of participating. He will be hugely missed by all who knew him, but will also be remembered with gratitude for his many contributions. I knew and admired Peter for more than 40 years and have many fond memories of discussions and events. I regularly consulted Peter when he was in Oxford as he had read almost every paper and book of relevance: a gentle giant of information. A tragic and irreplaceable loss, and our thoughts are with Jayne and family.

Sir David F Hendry
Nuffield College, Oxford University

I knew Peter only briefly, first as the organizer of an RES Easter School in which I taught, and then periodically as a member of the British Academy's Economics Section and also as a sometime visitor to Brasenose, just across the square from All Souls. He was a brilliant and extraordinarily kind and human man. He had something on point and insightful to say about almost anything that came up, and the effort he took to try to see things from others' points of view, and to speak to them about their ideas in their own language, was a truly rare and endearing thing to behold. As a non-Oxford student, I would guess that he must have been what everyone wished for as a tutor, and the testimonials of others who actually had him as their tutor amply confirms that. The world is a smaller place without Peter.

Vincent Crawford, Drummond Professor of Political Economy
Department of Economics and All Souls College, University of Oxford

During my time at the university I had the pleasure of serving Peter many a time. A true gentleman, a very charming and very polite man who I always enjoyed conversation with. He is a huge loss to the department he worked in and the university as a whole. My thoughts go to his family, friends and colleagues. RIP Peter heaven has gained an inspirational angel xxxx

Donna Wheeler
Previously of Business School cafe

Professor Sinclair will miss the community of economists all over the world. I had the occasion to speak with Professor Sinclair at almost each MMF conference I attended. It was each time insightful and inspirational. RIP

Jonathan Benchimol, Research Economist
Bank of Israel and Harvard University

I’m truly heartbroken to hear the news that Peter has passed away. He was the most incredibly warm-hearted individual; I remember him making me feel so welcome at the Bank of England when I first joined. He had a kind word for everyone (in everyone’s native language of course!). He will also be remembered as a brilliant economist, whose insights will have a lasting impression on our work. Rest in peace.

David Aikman, Professor of Finance And Director of Qatar Centre for Global Banking and Finance
Kings College Business School

Peter was a wonderful teacher that all students, including me, will remember vividly. I will remember him as a thrilling combination of intelligence, charisma, and a desire to connect with audiences of any size.

Dr. David Ronayne
Department of Economics
University of Oxford

Extremely saddened indeed this morning to receive news of Peter's passing. Although affiliated with another college, I still harbour very fond memories of taking some of my undergraduate tutorials in International Economics with him when he was teaching at Brasenose. His knowledge, charisma and enthusiasm for his subject was infectious, and helped to launch many a career in the discipline, including my own.

Professor Michael Bowe
Professor of International Finance, Director of the Centre for the Analysis of Investment Risk (CAIR), AMBS
University of Manchester

Such a lovey Kind man he will be greatly missed by all our thoughts are with his family who i am sure have such happy Fond memories xxxxx

Mrs Trudy Smith
Facilities, Birmingham Business School/College of Social Sciences

The world has lost a truly exceptional person. Peter was full of optimism, friendliness and always open for a conversation. His knowledge about many topics made even a brief conversation food for thought. That certainly held for economics related subjects, but definitely not exclusively. Peter spent an enormous, and exceptional, amount of time to motivate and advise younger generations of economists. In many ways Peter is a role model for all of us.

Dr Christoph Gortz
Department of Economics
University of Birmingham

I’ll always miss you, your support and your wisdom. Rest in peace Professor! Love, Aima

Aima
Department of Economics
University of Birmingham

"Goede morgen." Peter would always approach me with a Dutch phrase like this one. Although we didn't interact that often, it was nice that he always remembered I am Dutch and that he took the effort to say something in Dutch. Although the economics discussion that followed was enjoyable by itself, it was more special because of the personal touch with which he had started it. Goede nacht, Peter

Wouter den Haan
London School of Economics

It has been a very dark day. I was very sad to hear the news and it is difficult to believe that Peter has left us. Peter was an inspirational scholar and PhD supervisor. He was a real intellectual, and always able to point the way forward when I came to him to seek advice. He was open minded, kind and supportive. He always kept in touch after I finished my PhD. He delivered very interesting and engaging lectures and made macroeconomics much more attractive. I was very impressed with his passion towards economics. He will be hugely missed by many friends and colleagues. My thoughts are with his family.

Professor Xiaohui Liu
Department of Strategy and International Business
University of Birmingham

What sad news. I had the pleasure of being taught by Peter as an undergraduate back in the 1990s! His openness, humour, happiness, and energy beamed out of him whomever he was talking to, whatever he was talking about. He was a brilliant teacher and a charming man. We could all learn a lot from his ability to connect - it would make the world a better and happier place.

Professor David Hudson
International Development Department
University of Birmingham

I was saddened to hear of the passing away of the inimitable Peter Sinclair, and my thoughts are with his family and friends. I was taught by Peter on the MSc macroeconomics course at Warwick in 2010-11, and later had the fortune of encountering him again as he visited the University of East Anglia (UEA) where I started life as a Lecturer in Economics.

My favourite memories of Peter (which are probably shared with many others) are: - He would introduce himself to all students at the beginning of the course in their own native language. This was probably at least 20 on the Warwick MSc course. - In certain maths derivations, he would sometimes rename a cumbersome expression as "elephant" and refer back to it later on in the derivations! (Some students would faithfully use this in his final exam - "taking the first derivative of elephant... etc."!!) - I sometimes saw him on the bus from Coventry train station to Warwick uni, where he would be studying his hand-written lecture notes, always coming to lectures thoroughly prepared. He will be sorely missed in the economics profession.

Jack Fosten, Lecturer in Economics
King's Business School
King's College London

Peter was a true scholar and gentleman. Always generous with his time, in particular to young scholars. He regularly came to most of the Irish universities, especially as external examiner in the late 1980s and early 1990s. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam (May he rest in peace).

Liam Gallagher, Professor of Finance
Business School, Dublin City University, Ireland

I am just a behavioural data scientist and I do not have many followers. But today I want to talk about someone else, who does. My colleague, Professor Peter James Niven Sinclair, passed away after a battle with COVID19 yesterday: 

(1) Peter was a great teacher – he made people fall in love with economics.
(2) He taught thousands of students and even some celebrities (Diane Coyle, Tim Harford, Michelle D. Johnson, Dave Ramsden, Guy Spier, David Cameron, King Letsie III, Camilla Cavendish, Peter Conradi) but he always treated every student as a VIP.
(3) Explaining macroeconomics to me is the same as explaining it to a monkey, but Peter talked me through the essence of international trade once in less than 3 minutes.
(4) Peter was always eager to provide leadership advice.
(5) He wrote amazing articles and books.
(6) He advised the FSA, Treasury, & U.S. Department of Labor.
(7) He was the best impersonator of train conductors.
I am just a behavioural data scientist and I do not have many followers. But today I want to talk about someone else, who does. My followers are mostly digital, while his are real. Professor Peter J.N. Sinclair – teacher, listener, macroeconomist, leader, author, consultant, actor… Rest in peace.

Professor Ganna Pogrebna
Department of Economics
University of Birmingham

Although I only met Peter a few times, I knew that he was an extremely kind, intelligent and appreciative academic who was popular with both academics and students. He was the sort of person that you want to get to know better and find out what stories he has to tell! I was really upset when I heard that he was in hospital in mid-March and praying that he pulled through. He passed away in the same hospital my Nana died in and I think it just brings everything closer to home, knowing that it could be any one of our family going through the same suffering from covid-19. Sending huge condolences to his family and friends and hope they will be comforted to read the many kind words about Peter. Best wishes, Kate

Kate Chamberlain
Birmingham Business School, Dean's Office

I have only fond memories of Peter, and I'm very saddened indeed to learn of his passing. I suspect I will always remember how warmly he welcomed me to Birmingham as a junior member of staff, not just with his warm smile and friendly nature, but with his considerate advice, and the time he made for absolutely everyone. He was truly a wonderful person and scholar, and I hope that I am able to some extent follow in his footsteps in my own life and career. He will be so greatly missed.

James Reade, Associate Professor and Head of Department
Department of Economics
University of Reading

I knew Professor Peter Sinclair when I did my Ph.D. at the University of Birmingham. He always went to Ph.D. students' workshops including mine and always gave helpful suggestions and comments. I will never forget his inspiration, kindness, and encouragement.

Dr Tong Yin
Department of Management

I will always admire Peter for remembering to address me in my native language; he knew so many people but yet never forgot who to talk to in which language. We will miss you. My deepest condolences to your family at this sad time. We will keep you in our prayers. May Peter rest in peace.

Marleen Vanstockem, Doctoral Programmes Team Manager
Birmingham Business School

Peter’s warmth, enthusiasm and generosity made every encounter a pleasure, as well as a great learning experience. He made an enormous contribution to our economics community and UK economics. Thank you.

Angus Armstrong
Rebuilding Macroeconomics, NIESR

I had the privilege of knowing Peter for many years, since he was an external to Essex where I was a young lecturer, and I still remember his interest in the work I was doing at that time. The loss to our community of economists, both within the department and outside it, is immense. His seminars were special as he was able to combine deep global knowledge of institutions and data, as well of the latest research, as well as the bonus of chocolates that he kindly got for us. He was a true gentleman and a scholar, who cared about the real world and abstract theory, and the void will be hard to fill.

Professor Aditya Goenka
Department of Economics
University of Birmingham

A great scholar, an outstanding teacher and, above all, someone willing to share his numerous talents with anyone fortunate enough to cross his path. And, of course, a practical linguist. I recall him delivering a lecture in Athens in ancient Greek, which amused (and impressed) his audience immensely. On a trip to Moscow his ability to navigate the Metro System relied on converting Cyrillic script to Greek. And while delivering lectures to Central Bank staff in Manilla he was able to offer greetings in Farsi, Urdu, Malay and Thai to name just a few. He will be missed across the globe and those who met him will feel blessed that they have had that opportunity.

Professor David Dickinson
Department of Economics
University of Birmingham

There is little I can add to the many tributes here, but I cannot stop myself. I knew Peter for decades. I first encountered him giving a seminar which was a model of clarity at an RES conference. At one point he said he had attempted to calculate the effects of a policy change. When asked whether he had used econometric evidence he vigorously denied it, saying he would never do such a thing: it was on the back of an envelope. (This is a good thing.) I got to know him very well eventually, partly through MMF and the UK macro circuit, and then at the Bank of England where he was a regular visitor and of course Director of CCBS for several years. As others have said, he was a great scholar and communicator. But I remember him for being the kindest and most generous man I have ever known.

Simon Price, Professor of Finance
Essex Business School

Peter, you were a great teacher and an inspiration to many of us who were fortunate enough to be your students. But above all, you were a kind and generous man and deeply cared about your students. We will miss you.

Dr Nicholas Vasilakos
Lecturer in International Business
University of East Anglia

So sorry to learn of Peter’s passing. One of the great teachers of economics, from whom I was lucky enough to learn a little. Rest in peace.

Professor Steve Bond
Department of Economics
University of Oxford

Peter was one of the most engaging and passionate lecturers I have ever encountered and was the cleverest person I have ever met! It was a privilege to have learned from him and I hope he knew how admired and respected he was by all of his students.

John Miller
Student

Professor Sinclair was a different breed of lecturer; energetic, insightful and bursting with enthusiasm for his subject. Many economic concepts I will forever hear in my head, in his voice. A very sad loss.

Stuart Allen
Alumni, former Economic Theory student

Big condolences to all family members and friends. It is enormous loss to worldwide science community.

Jakub Zawadowicz
Computer Science
University of Birmingham

It was so heartbroken to hear the very sad news of Professor Peter Sinclair this morning. Peter taught me Advanced Macroeconomics during my master year. I then had an office next to his in the Department of Economics, Birmingham. He was such an inspirational teacher, extremely talented scholar, and very generous person. Everyone I know got impressed by how knowledgeable and friendly Peter was. Thank you Peter for all your great influences on us. Rest in peace, and my sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Dr Xiaoyu Tian
Senior Lecturer in Economics

I liked Professor Peter Sinclair the very first day he taught me Macroeconomics in the University of Warwick. His presentation and human relation was admirable. Till date, he still remains my best teacher in the area of Economics. Sleep well Sir.

Dr. Prince Boakye Frimpong
Department of Economics, KNUST, Ghana

It is heart broken to hear this sad news. My deepest thoughts and condolences are with Peter Sinclair and his family. Personally, Peter was one of my favourite professor while I was studying in Birmingham. He is my hero in economics and inspired me in so many ways. I can still remember that he voluntarily organised a Q&A session on a weekly basis to answer every student’s questions on his previous lecture, and his clear explanation on economics is still vivid in my mind. Peter was one of the most friendly, nicest, and kindest people I have ever met. He can speak multiple languages and welcome others by their own language. His personality has inspired many others in the past few decades. It is a huge pain for everyone who knows Peter and benefited from his support and kindness. Hope his family can get through the loss of their loved one in this difficult time.

Shixuan Wang, Lecturer in Economics
Department of Economics
University of Reading

I have such fond memories of Peter, from a few all too brief conversations at Money Macroeconomics and Finance conferences and Bank of England hosted meetings. He was often the most interesting person in the room, and frequently the smartest. More importantly, as many more will also say, he was quite simply one of the most kindhearted and courteous of gentlemen you will ever meet. A true scholar, a polymath and an economist of immense talent. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

Professor James Steeley
Department of Economics and Finance
Brunel University London

Very sad to hear of the passing of Peter. A great lecturer, highly intelligent in many ways and believed economics can make the world a better place. A massive loss to Economics at The University of Birmingham.

Mary Birch
BSc Economics and Politics Graduate 2017

I was fortunate to be Professor Sinclair's student in Topics in Economic Theory and Practice. He was an approachable teacher and knowledgeable economist. I became more passionate about economics. Thank you, Professor Sinclair. R.I.P.

Bowen Yan, exchange student
IESR, Jinan University

So sorry to hear this sad news. May Peter, rest in peace.

Mary O'Connor
School of Education, Initial Teacher Education Department

I am so sorry to hear of Peter's death. I did not have the chance to meet him more than a couple of times and it appears that I truly missed out on getting to know someone remarkable. My thoughts are with Peter's wife and family, as well as his students and colleagues that knew him so well. I look forward to reading your messages.

Jenny Atkins
School of Social Policy

Along with the rest of the student community, I’m so saddened to learn of the passing of University of Birmingham’s Prof Peter Sinclair, who died while battling the affects of COVID-19. Although I didn’t know him personally, I can see from the hundreds of affectionate student messages what an exceptional academic he was, and what an amazing impact he had on generations of students. Condolences to Peter’s family, friends, colleagues and all those who knew him. RIP.

Joshua Williams
President of the Guild of Students
University of Birmingham

A great loss to the profession. As a young researcher I will always value the comments he gave me for my work. My heart goes to his family and friends.

Nestor Romero, PhD(c) Finance
Department of Finance
University of Manchester

It took me the whole morning to accept this terrible and heartbreaking fact. The last contact I had with him is not long ago. He always came to PhD weekly presentations with warming and nurturing smile, and served as an enlightening figure to his students as well everyone around him. It was always the pleasure to hear questions and suggestions from him in terms of economic matters, but it hurts to know that silence will replace his voice in the future without him. My condolences to his family and friends and he will be greatly missed. R.I.P Professor Sinclair.

Li Tang PhD candidate
Department of Economics
University of Birmingham

Professor Peter Sinclair was a great teacher and inspiration throughout my BSc and MSc and then he gave me great advice and feedback throughout my PhD years at University of Birmingham. He was always interested in what we all (PhD students) do, found time to chat with everyone and his advice was always so useful. He often greeted me with 'Labas' which is hello in Lithuanian (my mother tongue) as he learnt that when working as an adviser for the Central Bank of Lithuania some years ago. He was so kind, so knowledgeable, so funny - he will be truly missed by everyone in the department. Rest in peace.

Dr Juste Abramovaite, Research Fellow
Department of Economics
University of Birmingham

Peter is the best teacher I ever encountered during my whole student period. What a great loss to every one of us.

Guang Yang
2013 Economic Student

Such a sad news in the midst of this chaos. Good Bye Sir. Rest in peace.

Imran Ansari, Student
Aligarh Muslim University

I feel incredibly honoured to have been lectured by Peter, even if only for a very short amount of time. There was never a dull moment in his lectures, and I won't forget the time he surprised me with his German skills, one of the many different languages he spoke! He was wonderfully kind, incredibly knowledgeable, and clearly an inspiration to those who knew him.

Jessica Fogelman, Student
University of Birmingham

I met Peter more than 10 years ago when I first came to the University of Birmingham. Peter was a very knowledgeable man, with huge passion for economics and for sharing his knowledge with students and colleagues. A very kind and approachable person. I still remember Peter sharing with me (in very fluent Spanish!) some of the many stories he had from his multiple trips around the world. a great loss for everyone. My condolences to his family and friends.

Allan Beltran
Department of Economics

Peter, from just eight short weeks during my third year, I truly began to see what an incredibly knowledgable, articulate and inspiring economist and lecturer you were. Through greeting students in their respective languages to holding extra review sessions, your lectures were the most captivating and intellectually stimulating sessions I have ever seen. So much so that I continually speak about your content until today. No wonder your tribute has reached far and wide across the community. Rest in peace Professor.

Josh Hardoon
Economics Bsc

As a former international student in IDD, I feel the loss. I share my heartfelt condolences to the family and the university at large.

Robert Maina Ndung'u
From Kenya, Laikipia University

I have fond memories of Peter's kindness and enthusiasm from the Masters course at Oxford then later when he was involved with a research project at the Bank of England. He was a pleasure to spend time with and it is sad to hear this news.

Roy Cromb
QMA Wadhwani

I am terribly sorry for the loss of this great man! He always put in effort to put people at ease. I only met him a couple of times and this is my memory of him. I will remember him for his genuine kindness.

Mr Ahmed Tohamy
Nuffield College
University of Oxford

Sorry to hear that Peter will no longer be with us. Such a nice person whom I really enjoyed seeing from time to time. A man with a tremendous rapport with all he met.

Professor Keith Pilbeam
City, University of London

I first met Peter over 40 years ago. He was supervising my friend who was a postgraduate student at Oxford. He was very kind to a young provincial person overawed at the ceremony of an Oxford college dinner. The last time I remember him was at the economics department prize giving on a lovely summer's day when he helped me pronounce all those difficult names. I know from all the tributes to him that he was a great scholar. He was a lovely man.

Professor Isabelle Szmigin
Birmingham Business School

I attended a number of social studies meetings with Peter while he was at Oxford. He stood out for his charm and kindness to everyone in venues where these qualities were not always in evidence.

Professor Emeritus, University of Oxford
Oxford Department of International Development

I never knew or met you Peter, but I have to offer my deepest condolences on your sad and untimely passing. My thoughts are with your family and friends at this time Rest in Peace

Tony Birch

Professor Sinclair was an example for all PhD students. He was not just a knowledgeable economist but a great human being. So paternal to all of us, made us felt part of the Econ community at University of Birmingham straight away. So enthusiastic about the youngest ones, it was always so pleasant to find him among the audience in our PhD seminars. You have left tremendous void in our department. I would like to express my admiration and respect for Prof. Sinclair, as well as sending my deepest condolences to his family and close ones. Rest in Peace, Peter.

Jorge Soguero, PhD candidate
Department of Economics
University of Birmingham

So sad to hear the untimely demise of Professor Peter Sinclair, a scholar of great eminence and a great human being. It is all the more painful that his untimely demise is due to Corona Virus . May God Almighty Rest the departed Soul in peace.

Professor Pritnam B Sharma
Mechanical Engineering Aumni PhD 1978

Peter was an exemplary man of talents, intellect and mannerisms which are rare to find. He made economics sound so simple yet at the same time his knowledge on the subject was vast. Rest in Peace Peter.

Hasan Patel - Communications
External Relations
University of Birmingham

I have fond memories of Peter's macro lectures at Warwick, where he taught the Ramsay capital accumulation model with great gusto and welcomed latecomers with a friendly dose of "Hello sir, welcome - plenty of room down at the front!" I remember being delighted to see him in the coffee queue at the BoE. He took a keen interest in what I was working on and was very generous with his time. He will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences to Peter's family.

Andrew Gimber, Economist
Bank of England

Dear Peter, You helped me on my journey to get a PhD with kindness and support. I'm sorry I never fully thanked you for that. You will be greatly missed by all. Fergus

Fergus Cumming
Bank of England

So very sad to read this. Sending sincere condolences to your family and friends. RIP Peter xx

Lorraine Fletcher
Library Services

So sad to hear this news. Prof Sinclair was my supervisor during my PhD. He is a greatt teacher who always support and encourage his students. Without his guidance and compassion I might not pass the tough PhD program well. Many thanks Prof Sinclair. May God enlightens your path to Heaven as you always enlighten your students.

IGP Wira Kusuma
Bank Indonesia

I am heartbroken to read this devastating news. It is a great loss to us all. 7 years ago, I came to the UK from China for the first time, it was a difficult start as everything was completely new and foreign for me. Peter's module Macroeconomics was one of the first modules I took. Before his lectures, he always greeted us in our home languages and made us laugh and feel welcomed. Not to mention that we all amazed how many different languages he knew. He offered "open house" sessions using his own time to help us understand complicated macroeconomic models and equations. Once he noticed some students who chose his advanced macroeconomic module but never did macroeconomics before, he even added a couple of lectures specifically for these students, again, using his own time. He was so committed to teaching, to Economics and students. His lectures were never boring because of his good sense of humour, vivid examples and true passion for teaching. Later, I did my PhD in the department. Peter attended my presentation and gave me invaluable feedback on my work. I was so impressed by the width and depth of his knowledge - Although we are in different fields, he could still give me a list of references relating to my topic without having to think about it... My deepest condolences to his family. Rest in peace, Professor Sinclair. You will never be forgotten.

Dr Tara Li
Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology
University of Birmingham

We will always remember you. RIP.

Dusanee Kesavayuth
School of Economics, UTCC, Thailand

I miss Peter already. There is not a kinder, more enthusiastic sponsor and mentor to so many of the rest of us. I will remember his gentle rapier questions in seminars. And his lecture notes packed with dense handwritten formulae. RIP.

Tony Yates
Resolution Foundation / Fathom Consulting. Ex Professor at Birmingham

Peter, one of the cleverest, gentlest, funniest people I have ever know, and who combined the highest integrity with the greatest modesty. Since we went up to Corpus together in 1965 he has been a rock like friend through good times and bad. I shall miss him forever. William Waldegrave

Lord Waldegrave of Noth Hill
Chancellor of Reading University; Provost of Eton College

Peter, you were one of the best lecturers I ever had. You were someone who truly loved his subject and brought a lot of energy and humour to lectures. Thank you. You will be sorely missed.

Mr Ian Harris
Economics Alumni

Thank you for your inspiring lectures that always brightened up the week. Rest in Peace Peter.

Miss Olivia Lines
Department of Economics

My fondest memory of Peter was when he was teaching the surprise consumption function at Brasenose (MPhil). Moments after he’d explained, the door flew open and one of the porters entered with tankards of beer, one for each student. Peter, with a twinkle in his eye, said, here is your surprise, let’s see what happens to consumption. A truly delightful man who always had a smile and knew his stuff. A very sad shock and deep condolences to his family. He will be sadly missed by all.

Dr Alison Sprague
Competition Economists Group

This is very sad news. I was one of his students at Warwick. He was a great Professor and always very encouraging and kind. I am deeply sorry. He will be missed... Rest in peace Peter Sinclair.

Dr Harun Nasir
Department of Economics
Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University

It was a pleasure having you as a lecturer, especially considering the difficulty of the subject. You made it engaging, e.g with your booming voice and accents. The former nearly made me fall off my chair once and the latter made me laugh a lot.

Miss Anoushka Kumar
Final year economics student

It is so hard for me to accept the loss of Peter. I could still remember the day, 20th of February, 2020, when I gave a presentation in our department. On that day, when I entered the room, I was so surprised by Peter's arrival. But from the bottom of my heart, I was excited as Professor Sinclair in my mind has always been a person who knows everything. Indeed, he gave me lots of valuable suggestions and comments. More importantly, I am a person who always doubts myself. Therefore, apart from his suggestions, I was so appreciative of his encouragement. At the very beginning of my presentation, I was nervous. The affirmation in his eyes filled me with confidence. I will try my best to finish my work, taking all your valuable comments into consideration. And I will never forget our conversations. Rest in Peace!

Yu PEI, PhD candidate
Department of Economics
University of Birmingham

I am so sorry to hear about Peter being taken by the virus. He has been the loveliest and most learned and ebullient colleagues. I have known him from the early days over 30 years ago when I was still at LSE. He always excellent comments, very good intuition, and shared his wisdom. A gentleman with a wonderful sense of humour, and even some Dutch in his wide menu of talents. I wish his beloved ones every strength and hope we can find strength in the wonderful memories.

Rick van der Ploeg
Department of Economics
University of Oxford

Thank you for making us feel valued and that our work mattered, even during half-baked presentations. Your comments are still highlighted in my notebook.

Jade Siu, PhD student
Department of Economics

We are saddened by the news that one of our lecturers, Professor Peter Sinclair, Emeritus Professor of Economics passed away yesterday. Peter was a world renowned academic and a teacher beloved by all of his students, with a passion for Economics that was an inspiration to all. His legacy will live on through his impact on so many students during his esteemed teaching career at Birmingham and Oxford.

He was known fondly as the “David Attenborough of Economics” in Birmingham due to his unique flavourful teaching style. His sudden dynamic volume changes while speaking shocked your attention, always keeping you engaged and entertained. He brought his teaching alive through his entertaining anecdotes, with accompanying accents making learning with him truly unforgettable. His depth of knowledge and passion for Economics was unparalleled by anything we had experienced before; spending just a few minutes with Peter was enough to realise he was in a league of his own. His kind and polite manner made him very approachable, and he encouraged us to ask questions, relishing the opportunity to help others learn. He would always ask us if we were okay, without fail. Small things like that made a big impact.

A few weeks ago, a student came to me in a lecture with a gift-wrapped Economics mug she had bought him, with a lovely message about him being an excellent teacher attached. She asked if I could give it to him as she wanted to remain anonymous. When I did so he was extremely grateful, saying he highly appreciates it and asking me to thank the anonymous person profusely. He added that he would wait until he got home to open it with his wife as he treasures all of his gifts from students. A small but meaningful gesture at the end of what was his final ever lecture.

This year the Economics Society ran Staff Awards for the first time. We were going to announce that Peter had won the Inspirational Teacher Award 2020, but unfortunately our end of year celebrations had to be postponed in light of the virus. He won by a good margin, with some incredibly heart-warming comments left by students. When we were notified Peter couldn’t attend our last few lectures due to illness, students contacted us to ask how they could give him a get well soon message. We combined these with his nomination submissions and asked the Business School to pass these to his wife along with his award. This award will be renamed after him and called “The Peter Sinclair’s Inspiring Teacher Award”. In recognition that he not only inspired his students but also future generations of Economics teachers. For that will be his eternal legacy.

As it was made clear to us, Peter had played a massive role in the field of Economics, from befriending Nobel laureates to having taught what seemed to be half of the UK’s most influential Economists. I imagine like most of his former students, Peter only taught us for a small portion of our degree, yet his inspiration and impact on our view of Economics and the world around us was profoundly shaped by him. We are better Economists because of him and are grateful to have had the privilege of being taught by him.

May he rest in peace.
On behalf of Economics Students at the University of Birmingham 2020

Patrick Uriot
President of the Economics Society 2019/2020

Thank you so much for your inspiring teaching, I loved your lectures this year and you’ll be incredibly missed.

Katherine - Final Year Undergraduate Student
Birmingham Business School

Cannot express how shocking and sad when I heard the news. Peter taught me Macroeconomics and it was one of my favourite modules. He was one of the best lecturers who always inspired students with his passion, kindness and knowledge. Rest in peace!

Dr Rong Huang, Lecturer
University of Nottingham

My thoughts and prayers are with Peter’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time. RIP

Mollie O'Connor, Programme Administration Manager
School of Biosciences
University of Birmingham

It is with great sadness I heard Professor Sinclair passed away. I first met him in one of the many seminars he gave accross the world, this one in Athens, Greece, and I was impressed with his real world outlook and his approach. I then had the pleasure of attending his lectures and interacting with him at the University of Warwick as a graduate student. Professor Sinclair wan exceptional teacher, not only of economics but also in life, he was kind and a person that really cared about his students. I will never forget how he greeted everyone in the lecture room in their own language. My deepest condolences to his family. My thoughts are with his family, everyone that loved and respected him and everyone whose life he influenced.

Thank you for everything Professor, RIP.

Sotirios Migkos
Vice President, Model Risk, Credit Suisse

Although I never studied with you, I would like to express my sincere condolence to your family. May you rest in peace.

Titaree
Marketing and Communications student

Peter always greeted me with "Namaste", the Indian greeting. This epitomised the polite and considerate man that he was. I knew him for more than thirty-five years and interacted with him for a variety of reasons, including his work relating to the Oxford Economic Papers and the Bank of England. His comments on my work were unfailingly insightful and I found that I always learnt something by speaking to him. He will be greatly missed.

Dr Sushil Wadhwani
Chief Investment Officer, QMA Wadhwani

Sending our love to all the family at this very sad time...RIP Professor.

Anfal Adam
School of Bioseinces , Toxicology

Simply the most wonderful lecturer I had during my time at UoB, with the most unique but amazing way of bringing topics to life. Very saddened to hear of his passing, and my deepest sympathies to his family at this time, he will be missed greatly.

Kunal Sarin
BSc Economics (2012-2015)

I knew Peter from his time as a consultant in the Bank of England. He made an effort to get to know seemingly every single economist in the Bank. And he was always delighted to see you when he encountered you in passing. He was a warm and friendly presence, and as others have fondly recalled, had an extraordinary ability to start a conversation in just about any language on the planet. In a world where economics seminars can sometimes be hostile and confrontational, Peter was a beacon of warmth, civility and constructiveness. His enthusiasm and passion for economics shone through. Most striking for me, was that whenever he spoke to anyone he always assumed they had studied an issue more deeply and had a greater understanding than him. Seldom were those assumptions warranted- but he always spoke to others with respect, appreciation and a genuine belief that he could learn something from them. This humility was all the more remarkable given his many achievements and status in the profession. Peter was one of the most encouraging and empowering economists you could ever hope to meet.

John Lewis
Research Hub, Bank of England

I am very sorry about this news. May his soul rest in peace.

Ms. Chanidapa Piyawattanakul
Political Science

Peter was a lovely man who was very generous with his time. I worked with him at Warwick and learned much from him. My deepest condolences to his family.

Udara Peiris
ICEF, NRU Higher School of Economics

So sad to read this news. Peter was my tutor for the Economic Theory and Monetary Economics modules at Oxford and was an enormous inspiration to me to pursue a career in economics, as I know he was to many other students. Peter really put his heart and soul into teaching, and was particularly good at providing inspirational reading lists that would put you in touch with the classics of the literature. He was also endlessly encouraging even when pointing out your mistakes! My deepest condolences to his family.

John Hawksworth, Chief economist
PwC

Peter Sinclair was a classical lecturer, who I had the pleasure of being taught by in 2018. His unorthodox yet brilliant teaching methods engaged myself and many of my peers, and all of us were constantly in awe throughout the semester of his tremendous knowledge of history, ability to converse with any student in their native tongue, and passion for economics and the good the subject can bring to the world. The world has lost both a gentleman and a great academic. Rest in peace Pete. Our thoughts are with your friends and family at this time.

Luke Caldecott
Birmingham Business School

Professor Sinclair was an incredibly warm and intelligent teacher. What I learned from his lectures is a great treasure to me.

Jinyu Hou
Student

RIP... Thank you for teaching me macroeconomics few years ago.

Carol Wong

Peter was a true inspiration to everyone he ever met or gave a lecture to. I witnessed this the first time I met Peter whilst working at an undergraduate open day. After Peter had talked to a handful of students over lunch, I remember all of the students he had talked to later asking me what module Peter taught so that they could study it. This is because, in the 5 minutes they'd spent talking to him they'd been inspired by his deep knowledge of Economics and passion for talking to students. His lectures were always the highlight of my week, regardless of the topic. I consider myself to be very lucky to have had the opportunity to be taught by such a knowledgeable, passionate and respected person in the field of Economics. Because of this, I will always think about Peter when remembering my time spent studying at the University of Birmingham, and I'm sure many other students feel the same.

James Kidd
BSc Economics Student
University of Birmingham

I am so sorry to hear this sad news. My son Alexander was an economics student at the University of Birmingham and was tutored by Professor Sinclair. He told me that he was in awe of his immense knowledge. Alexander graduated in December 2018 and remembers Professor Sinclair with fondness and utmost respect. Rest in peace.

Sharon Hall
Parent of student

Peter was such a wonderful man, truly one of a kind. I've had many inspiring conversations with him over the years; he was so keen and able to share his wisdom which always seemed almost scarily vast. His warmth, kindness and sense of humour stood out. He will be dearly missed. Condolences to all of Peter's family. Rest in peace.

Lukasz Rachel
Bank of England

This is a very sad news for all of us. I had a chance to attend your seminar presentation and I was very impressed with your warm and lovely personality. You greeted everyone who came to the seminar in English and French. You even gave us chocolate! And you presented in a very interesting way, like telling a story. Rest in peace, our dear Professor Peter. God bless you!

Linh, PhD student
Economics

Peter was quite simply the person who most influenced my interest and knowledge in economics and wider public policy. An extraordinary teacher - he made studying economics for the first time understandable in the most creative ways. Having seen him a few times over the years since graduation in the early ‘90s, he was always generous with his time and his smile. He always made you feel important and relevant to talk to. I’m terribly saddened by this news.

Jamie Mitchell

Peter was my undergraduate tutor at Brasenose in the early 1980s. He was inexhaustibly generous, encouraging and wise as a teacher. He inspired my initial interest in the subject and has shaped how I see it ever since. This is such a terrible untimely loss.

Professor Ian Preston
UCL Department of Economics

I first met Peter Sinclair sometime during the late 1970's when visiting Templeton College and Brasenose College in Oxford. He was the new Economics tutor at Brasenose; I think fresh from Corpus. Everyone who met Peter liked him instantaneously and I was no exception. He always seemed to have a smile on his face exuding a cheerfulness that was infectious. I never heard him say a bad thing about another person, something that is hard in a contentious discipline like Economics. Subsequent visits to Oxford strengthened our friendship. Peter was a rare blend between the older generation of scholars at Brasenose and modern scholars in Economics. Like everyone else I will miss him.

Robert Krainer, Professor of Finance
University of Wisconsin-Madison

You were an incredibly knowledgeable economist, always insightful and encouraging to students and colleagues, but most of all you were a real gentleman. I will miss your greetings in perfect Italian every time we were meeting at work and our chats about the Italian economy about which, needless to say, you knew much more than I could ever know. We will miss you, may you rest in peace Peter

Marco Barassi
Department of Economics
University of Birmingham

How sad. may he rest in peace. RIP PROF

Chrissue Briwn
Social Policy
University of Bristol

RIP, Peter. Your energy, inspiration, humor, support and kindness will be missed.

Sasha Talavera
Department of Economics

Professor Sinclair was a truly inspiring lecturer, a scholar who showed me the beauty and elegance of economics. He was humble and passionate, smoothly interacting with the young audience, and challenging to grow not only academically. Many times I was inviting my non-economics uni friends to his lectures to show them that one-in-the-life-time-lecturer. Non of us will ever forget you. Condolences to the family.

Miss Emilija
Alumni, Department of Economics

Very sorry to hear of Peter’s passing. A great teacher and writer on economics. I remember him as a wonderful and kind man. Rest in peace.

Mark O'Rourke
Former student

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Peter. Peter taught me in my third year of Economics Bsc, and his enthusiasm for Economics was passed on to us in every single lecture. He had endless patience with helping us fully understand what he was teaching. No question was ever too stupid, and there was never too many times he would help you until you fully understood it. It was an absolute honour to have been taught by Peter, and I send my most sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Catherine Langton
Former Economics Student

May he Rest In Peace! Such a brilliant mind and wonderful man. My deepest condolences to his family.

FILANTHI APOSTOLOPOULOU
Department of Economics
MSc in international Money and Banking 1999

Professor Sinclair was an inspiration and my time at Birmingham would not have been the same without him. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

Hermione Hymers
Alumni - Economics

An inspiration to everybody - Rest In Peace Peter. I was never specifically taught by you, however I have only ever heard wonderful things. You always made a conscious effort to stop and talk to me and my family when you could. Thank you for everything you have done for us all.

Anon. 

Very sad to learn my favourite Professor Peter Sinclair has passed away due to Covid19. His lectures were that engaging he did not use a PowerPoint and kept our attention using unorthodox techniques such as occasional exclamations while taking us on a virtual tour of the economies of the world. I never got to tell him that I snuck in a friend from another department to sit on the front row to be inspired. He taught a generation including David Cameron PM how to be balanced between wealth creation and social compassion. Peter was a rare breed, exceptionally well informed, personable and supportive of everyone he met. Only a few months ago he wrote a supporting reference for my girlfriend aiding her to study a master's in Economics. It's a sad day for the world of economics.

Luke Evans, former student
Department of Economics

I was in Peter's macroeconomics class in Warwick. He was a great teacher and a very kind soul. He will be dearly missed by so many of us.

Ayan Sengupta

Peter always held the lecture theatre captivated by telling a story of economics, as if it was a dynamic film, composed of still isolated frames. Either this, or had the room in hysterics about a red whiteboard pen that never worked. He was not only knowledgable about economics, but also every other discipline, and would work hard to share his endless knowledge. An inspirational teacher.

Harry Balkwill
Economics Graduate 2019

R.I.P. You will be missed!

Professor Markus Brunnermeier
Department of Economics
Princeton University

I knew Peter quite well between 1970 and 1972 when I was a graduate student at Nuffield College. He was one of the kindest and cleverest people I ever met, and it has never surprised me how enthusiastic his former undergraduates have always been about his outstanding qualities as a university teacher. He will be greatly missed.

Professor Alan Ware
Emeritus Fellow, Worcester College
University of Oxford

Rest in peace Professor Sinclair

Mr Nathan Baldwin
Nursing

Very sad to hear this news. Peter’s lectures had a hugely positive impact on me as a student of Economics at Birmingham University between 2005-08, and I was delighted to encounter him when I started working at the Bank 10 years later. He will be warmly remembered.

Ms Danielle Haralambous
Economics Department
University of Birmingham & Bank of England

It's sad your shining life had ended so early and suddenly. You haven't had enough time to contribute and enjoy your life any more. Lots of people will remember you. Best wishes to your family!

Ms LI HA
Birmingham Business School

Peter was a good man and the best economics lecturer I ever met. He made macroeconomics fun to study with so much insightful examples. My deepest condolences! RIP Peter

Akinpelu Akinsanya
Alumni (Former Student - Money, Banking and Finance)

I first met Professor Peter Sinclair during a short stay as a research student at the University of Birmingham in the early 1990s. He was one of the kindest academics I have ever met. He made everyone feel valued, whether you were a junior colleague or a Professor. My thoughts are with his family at this time.

Dr Maria Garcia Alonso
School of Economics
University of Kent

We were so sorry to learn about the death of Peter Sinclair. We knew him a little at a church where we once worshipped. He struck us as a man of great charm and intelligence, imbued with a great sense of wisdom.

Jenny and Stephen Kingsley

Peter was an inspiration. His passion for economics, depth of knowledge and way of engaging students in lectures was unparalleled. World class economist who will really be missed.

Chetan Sachdev
Economics

An inspiring lecturer, and person, who will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to those who were close to him.

Callum Cheshire

An intellectual giant; very sad indeed.

JRS Brewer BSc
Econ Bham 05-08

I struggled to enjoy economics through my first 2 years of studying it at university, but Peter inspired me through his lecturing. He was enthusiastic, energetic and engaging, and changed my view on economics. He was one of the most genuine people I have ever encountered and I feel privileged to have been taught by him. He will be missed greatly, and my thoughts go out to his family.

Thys van der Zanden
University of Birmingham, Economics student

Extremely sad to hear news of Peter’s passing today. He was a true inspiration - both to me personally and to numerous other students over many years. Those who had the pleasure of being taught by him, and to interact with him, will have experienced his enthusiasm for economics, his intelligence, and his engaging teaching style. His anecdotes – scattered throughout his lectures – provided endless humour!

It was evident that he genuinely cared for his students, where his: (i) patience; (ii) ability to explain complex topics (in an understandable way); and (iii) nurturing nature, meant that he was unparalleled as a lecturer. This is a both a loss to the University of Birmingham, and to the world of economics more widely. Above all, however, my sincerest condolences to his family and friends at this time.

George Whittingham
BSc Economics Graduate 2017

Such sad and upsetting news of Peter Sinclair’s death. My heart goes out to his wife and family and other loved ones. As one of his more wayward students at Brasenose in the early seventies I benefitted enormously from his wonderful pastoral care and wisdom. His warmth and personal commitment to his students, combined with the extraordinary breadth and depth of his intellect, and joyful enthusiasm for his subject, made him a star indeed. His penetrating questions usually told one more than most people’s answers, and always challenged one to think. I owe him a lot and was delighted to run into him again just two months ago on fine form at a BNC Principal’s Conversation. So sad that now this has come to pass.

Thank you Peter Sinclair. RIP

Nick Bain
BNC Alumni

Peter Sinclair was the wisest and kindest of teachers and friends. Peter was one of my dearest friends from the 1970s. Condolences from my family to his. Our thoughts and prayers.

Professor Jonathan Locke Hart
University of Toronto/Harvard University (Life Member , Clare Hall, Cambridge)

I was terribly saddened to hear of this news today. Peter Sinclair was, without a doubt, the most memorable professor I ever had during my time at the University of Birmingham. During his lectures, it was hard not to be inspired by his knowledge and passion for Economics. Peter was a man that saw Economics as something other than a simple social science, but rather a discipline that could change the world for the better if carried out correctly. I will always be amazed by the sheer intelligence this man possessed. He was the only professor I ever witnessed that could teach for hours on end without any cues. But most of all, I will remember Peter for his sheer kindness. He was the only lecturer to ever stand at the door of the lecture theatre and welcome every one of his 200 students as they entered the room. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones at this difficult time.

Thomas Lach BSc
Economics

Peter was the best macroeconomics teacher I've ever had. He taught me at Warwick and his love for the subject and his ability to build a bridge between the accessible and the highly complex is something I remain grateful to have have experienced. He also told me about the magazine Private Eye which he loved. He explained that while, as a non-Englishman, I probably wouldn't get the references he maintained that it was worth picking up and thumbing through. He was right!

Thank you Peter, you will be missed.

Matt Stephenson
Columbia University

I very much admire Peter Sinclair. He was my lecturer from 2017-18 for the course Topics in Economics Theory and Practice. I really enjoyed his lectures. I took a photo with him at a degree congregation in July 2018 and he told me to keep in touch with him. I couldn't even imagine that it was the last time we met. Rest In Peace!

Mr Zhijian Chen
Department of Economics

It is indeed a great loss to the academia in the world. His great contribution to knowledge field of economics will remain deeply embedded in our the society. Rest in peace Prof. Amen

Mr Charles Mutuku
Department of Economics
University of Nairobi

I was one of those lucky enough to have had Peter as a tutor at Oxford and also as a colleague at the Bank, so I have many fond memories of Peter. As others have attested to with greater eloquence, his linguistic talents were second to none.

To add my own memory, I can vividly recall Peter saying “hello” at a welcome bash for new students in about 20 different languages as they entered the room, even more impressive as he had worked out beforehand where everybody came from. I think he knew the word for “Cheers” in every different language (“iechyd da” in my case) as he went round and topped up everyone’s wine glass. Peter, I have to admit, knew more Welsh phrases than I did.

Peter also loved to challenge his students and throw them in at the deep end. Macro Lecture 1 of undergraduate PPE/H&E at Oxford. A first introduction to economics for many in the room. Peter handed out a double-sided A3 sheet of paper containing four or five classic models (Ramsay, Hotelling etc) full of differential equations, phase diagrams and the 16 assumptions underlying each carefully listed below. Some in the lecture hall had never seen a supply and demand diagram before, and even those who had done A-level economics all came out of the lecture rather shell-shocked and realised we may have to up our game somewhat. Fast-forward three years later: Lecture 1 of MPhil Macro, again by Peter. The same A3 sheet of paper was handed round. Peter’s attitude: you are never too young to start learning the hard stuff and no prior knowledge required ! As others have said, his dedication to his students was second to none.

The only time I ever saw Peter ever so slightly cross was at the end of a tutorial and I said I hadn’t understood something and would have to go away to think about it. Peter looked at me solemnly (but still with a smile) and said “never leave my tutorials saying that” and happily gave up his time until I did understand. Peter was man who somehow seemed to know everything, but more importantly he wanted you to know everything and was so generous in his time in that pursuit. Always available for consultation on almost any subject. But above all it is his warmth and generosity we will remembered.

As Tim Harford so eloquently put on Twitter, Peter would bump into you in the street, perhaps after many years, and greet you “as though there was nobody in the world he’d rather see” which brought a tear to my eye and I’m sure to others. Farewell Peter, rest in peace, you will be greatly missed and never forgotten by those who were blessed to know you as a colleague, mentor and friend.

Ryland Thomas
Bank of England

Dear Peter, May you rest in peace, where you continue to do the research of heaven. Thank you for all the lectures you have delivered to us. You’ll be remembered.

Giang Nguyen
Alumni, Dept of Economics

Peter was an inspirational economics teacher and a wonderfully kind man. In a few short months he had a profound influence on me. When I was floundering in my Oxford entrance interviews – I hadn’t got a clue what was going on as I was being grilled by the formidable philosophy tutor – Peter was the one beaming and nodding and encouraging, as though everything was going brilliantly. And when I decided to drop economics and specialise in philosophy, Peter took the trouble to send a long, handwritten letter, full of encouragement, gently suggesting that I reconsider. I remember it vividly. I took his advice. It changed my life. Peter had many friends, and went to great lengths to keep in touch with and support his former students. They will all be grieving, as the comments here attest. My thoughts and deep sympathy are very much with his wife Jayne, his family, and his close friends. I bumped into Peter on the street a couple of years ago. He was smiling, bobbing around, waving enthusiastically, behaving as though there was nobody in the world he’d rather see. That extravagant friendliness was so very like him. It is how I’ll remember him.

TIm Harford, OBE
The Financial Times

A tribute to Professor Sinclair, From my first lecture with Peter, which he opened by deriding PowerPoint as a tool for salesman from Basingstoke and unfit for use by economists, I knew I was in for something uniquely special. In place of PowerPoint, handouts were offered (the location of which was always vocally advertised to latecomers) which appeared insurmountably complex to many at first. Peter came into his own by bringing such elegant order to what seemed so chaotic in the first instance. His own infectious enthusiasm enlightened students to the incredible explanatory power of challenging concepts which ingeniously interlinked years of previous study. His teaching talent held the undivided attention of a room, with his lecturers akin to animated performances of an enthralling chronicle; economics was spun into a narrative of unpredictable ebb and flow. Much has been said about the public figures taught by Peter. While he no doubt inspired many students including these, everyone he taught was made to feel individually valued with many singled out for conversation in their native language. Economics has lost a tremendous scholar and teacher, with an unwavering commitment to the advancement of the discipline and clear generosity of spirit and time for his students. I will sorely miss our chats in the Alan Walters buildings and seeing you at New Street on Thursday mornings. My deepest condolences to Jayne and family. Rest in peace my friend.

Adam McMaster
Economics Alumni

I worked with Peter as his PA in the Department of Economics at Birmingham, he was a delightful, very kind person and his students loved him...this is really sad news...

Sue Redding
Ex Universty of Birmingham

I am saddened to hear of Peter's passing. I remember him as a stimulating tutor for Economics and I am grateful for what he taught me.

Dr. Stuart White
Oxford University

I am deeply saddened to hear Peter passed away. He was a remarkable person who rooted for everyone especially PhD students. He will be truly missed. 

Hamideh Mohtashami 
PhD Candidate, Department of Economics University of Birmingham  

Peter Sinclair was a truly inspirational human beeing and economist. The country and the profession is a lot poorer now.

Cristiano Cantore
Bank of England 

I love this man. I learnt so much from him as an economist and a human being. I am still in awe at his mastery of the subject matter and other things pertaining to life. He was the academic I most wanted to be like. His lectures were fantastic, always an event. He was a true genius and legend and I will never forget his clear passionate and masterful voice booming across the lecture theatre. I will truly miss him.

Dr Tolu Olarewaju
Staffordshire Business School 

My deepest condolences to Peter's family. His knowledge, warmth and generosity will stay with me as a tribute to his life. May his memory be a blessing to all those, like me, who were fortunate enough to know a genuinely wonderful man.

Jonathan Haskel 
Imperial College Business School and Bank of England

I (alongside many others commenting in this book) had the great honour to be taught for a short while by Peter during my time at Birmingham. He was an inspiring lecturer whose words captivated his audience irrespective of the topic. Peter was unquestionably the best teacher I have been lucky enough to experience in my student days. He gave me a thirst for the subject of economics and I (and my other course friends) are all deeply saddened to hear of his passing. A genuinely kind man, who took great pleasure in developing others around him and seeing them succeed, my thoughts are with his family and close friends at the time. The world sadly is worser off with Peter not being with us.

Andrew Parkes
B.Sc Economics (2012-2015)

I was in the last lecture that you taught. You were the most inspiring lecturer and professor, any student would have been honored to have you. Never had we come across someone who cared so deeply and passionately about his subject. It meant we came to your lectures excited to learn. You cared and gave so much to ensure we were all understanding and that no student was left behind. You told us on our first lecture this year that economics isn't a 'boring' science but one which needed to be taught in such a way that it was understood and used properly which would make it exciting. You really changed all of our insights after just the first few lectures with you. Thank you for spreading your love for the subject and your kindness. May you rest in peace.

Priya Patel
3rd Year Economics Student

R.I.P ....sad ..... thoughts are with his family right now X

Mrs K. Mason-Bernard
Campus catering

I was an undergraduate at Brasenose from 1972-5 and had the very great privilege and good fortune of having Peter as my tutor. Peter was an exceptionally kind and clever man who really gave of himself - his one to one tutorials which could last 2-3 hours were extraordinary - and ever since I have always felt that I owed him a lot. To be reminded of all this on hearing of his most untimely death is upsetting and has knocked me back. My heartfelt sympathy to his wife and everyone close to him.

Mr Wyatt Paul 

A gentleman in all languages. Ar dheis De go raimh a anam

Fergal Shortall
Bank of England 

Professor Sinclair was truly the best! His classes were engaging, academically stimulating and theatrical! I remember him as someone that truly loved economics and cared for his students. Thank you for the memories. 

Kishan Bhatt
University of Birmingham, Economics 2012

I was privileged to have been taught by a Peter in my final year. A wonderful lecturer always with a smile on his face. Sadly missed.

Helen Lewis (nee Cutts)
BSocSc Economics 1997 Bham 

I knew Peter briefly but the news of his passing has left me very sad. We were colleagues for a while at the Bank of England, and my main interaction with him was when he taught a couple of modules on an economic statistics stats course I took shortly after I joined on the grad scheme in 2012. He was clearly so passionate about economics and economic policy, but more importantly he was an incredibly kind man. I only had a few hours of direct contact with him on that course, but from that moment on he would stop and say hello to me whenever we crossed paths at work, he would ask how I was and what I was working on and he would be genuinely excited and interested to talk to me. He was such a positive, friendly presence and played a big part in me beginning to feel comfortable in my first job, even if it was just by taking a couple of minutes to chat to me. Thoughts are with his family.

Tom Wise
Bank of England 

Peter and Sheila visited here for a year, many years ago. They were great colleagues and friends. It is so sad to hear this news now about Peter. My sincerest sympathies to his family and friends. 

Professor (Emeritus) Hugh Neary
Vancouver School of Economics, UBC

Peter was a delight, so clever, interested in everything and everyone and with infinite kindness. He was a man of great integrity and loyalty. I feel privileged to have been a friend for many years since I first got to know him as a young colleague at Brasenose. I shall miss him sorely.

Mary Stokes
Barrister and former fellow of Brasenose College, Oxford 

I learnt a lot from Mr Sinclair. I was in awe of how wise he was and how he could command the whole lecture room. I will take his learnings with me forever. RIP, I hope your soul is at peace, legend.

Shivani Bhalla
Economics 

It is with great sadness that I hear this news. I met Peter for the first time in a PhD conference many years ago. It amazed me how he knew the names of all attendants and the work they would present in detail. He was always a joy to meet every time I met him since. My condolences to his family and friends.

Joao Madeira
Senior Lecturer
Department of Economics, University of York 

I am deeply shocked and very sorry to hear the news of Peter’s sudden death. Peter had an infectious enthusiasm for economics, always offered insightful comments and only kind words for everyone. He will be deeply missed by us all in the Bank of England’s research community. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Misa Tanaka, Head of Research
Bank of England 

Peter was the most kind-hearted and intelligent man I have ever known - whether he was keeping us engaged during his three hour lectures or treating us to chocolate coins before lent began! He always went the extra mile and would go out of his way to help us. There is no one I’ve ever met who was so knowledgeable on such a broad range of subjects and he will be dearly missed by all students.

Tara Cole
Student 

The Royal Economic Society was privileged to benefit from Peter's kindness, experience and dedication over many years, firstly in leading the society's Easter School and then as a member of Council. On behalf of the RES, we mourn Peter's loss and send our heartfelt condolences to Peter's family.

Leighton Chipperfield, Chief Executive
Royal Economic Society 

Thanks for helping me push towards my goals in the latter end of my studies in 2013. You were most inspiring to learn under the direction of and I enjoyed our coffee theory lessons after lectures. God bless your family.

Stephen Georgiou, VP M&A 

The John Lennon of Monetary Policy has left us when we need him most: “Monetary policy needs to be guided by principles, above all the principle that Hippocrates' oath nearly stated – ‘do no harm’.” Thank you for your inspirational lessons and let’s hope policy makers heed your wisdom!

Robert Sean McCann CEng, MEng, MBA
Brasenose college, Oxford. EEM 1987-91

I was greatly saddened to hear of Prof Sinclair's death today. I met Peter last year on the occasion of a PhD viva, where he acted as external examiner and I was internal examiner. I really enjoyed our exchange over a meal before the viva, where we shared our enthusiasm for the Norfolk coast. Peter struck me as hugely knowledgeable yet modest; kind and humorous. He turned out to be an encouraging, but also very thorough examiner, and the PhD candidate benefited a lot from his generous suggestions and experience - as did I. He will be missed by those who knew him, and my condolences go to those who were closest to him.

Dr Christa Brunnschweiler
School of Economics, University of East Anglia 

Peter was wonderful - very kind and generous. He could speak several languages (including my native Portuguese). I was fortunate to work with him at the Bank of England and to attend an excellent RES Easter School that he organised at the University of Birmingham. Peter will be missed by many of us economists.

Filipa Sa, Dr
King’s Business School, King’s College London

The world has lost a great man. We share this sadness with the university family. 

Bashir Ahmed Abshir. Candidate master at University of Nairobi, Kenya
Student at Kenya

Peter was a wonderfully kind neighbour in the Barbican, always full of joie de vivre and friendly greetings. He would relay some wonderful stories of his involvement with current affairs and policymaking, which he was often at the heart of. Whether it was sharing an anecdote about the Queen's blue hat with 12 gold stars during the opening of Parliament or discussing a mutual friend, he was enthusiastic and caring in equal measure and always had time for a neighbourly chat. He will be greatly missed in the Barbican.

Melissa Collett 

I met Peter when he was visiting UBC in 1982. I had just joined the Economics Department at UBC then. He was such a cheerful person with broad interests that conversations with him were a delight. We met just a few times over the years and yet through Christmas letters and occasional emails we kept in touch. My wife and I have always considered him a close friend. We will miss him.

Ashok Kotwal, Professor Emeritus of Economics
Vancouver School of Economics, The University of British Columbia, Canada 

Many of us had been dreading today's news. Knowing how ill he had been we feared the worst but had hoped for the best. I am deeply upset and it will take some time to come to terms with the fact that we won't be able to enjoy his company again. Peter was a one of a kind. A true gentleman with a piercing intellect. It has been a pleasure to work with him, in my case for over 20 years, and he really will be sorely missed. On a slightly lighter note, among Peter's many talents there was one that I was always particularly in awe of. He had the rare ability to gently doze off in a highly technical department seminar only to wake up and ask an insightful and probing question. Remarkable. Rest in peace, Peter.

Professor Matt Cole
Department of Economics, University of Birmingham 

Peter was my macroeconomic lecturer during my MSc programme. He was my favourite teacher - inspiring and passionate. Such a sad loss.

Robert Heggie
Health economics, University of Glasgow (formerly student at University of Birmingham) 

Dear professor, your passion and humor in class are known by all of us students, it is said that you’re also a very daring person in life. You’ll be very much missed. My heart goes out to your family.

Grace Zheng
Department of Economics 

I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of Peter who I had the good fortune of knowing since the 1980s when I was at the University of Essex. He was of course a prolific economist who worked on issues that were always based on very important real-life issue. He was also a very kind and lovely man, a thorough gentleman. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

Sajal Lahiri, Vandeveer Chair Professor in Economics and Distinguished Scholar
University of Souithern Illinois University Carbondale, U.S.A. 

I only had the pleasure of meeting Peter a couple of times at conferences, when I was starting out as a young economist. His encouragement, good humour (and ability to say a few words in every language you could think of) left a lasting impression.

Max Tse, Executive Director
National Audit Office 

Peter’s untimely passing is hard to grasp and hard to bear. I was lucky to overlap with him on many occasions. He was the internal examiner on my D.Phil. thesis, and, by a delicious coincidence that greatly amused him, I was later an external examiner on his. We served on many committees together and he brightened every one, always cheerful, always constructive. He was very serious about economics, as a way of thinking and as a force for good, but never solemn or pompous. Above all, the energy and enthusiasm he put into his teaching was exceptional, and his warmth towards his students was richly reciprocated. His love of languages extended to Irish, so he would have understood the valediction “Ni bheidh a leithéad ann arís” – We shall not look upon his like again. Our thoughts are with Jayne and his family at this very sad time.

Professor Peter Neary
Department of Economics, University of Oxford 

I am saddened at the news of the loss of prof Peter Sinclair. I knew him from his time at the Bank of England and I recall him as a warm hearted, kind and gentle man whose strong passion for economics was an inspiration for a young economist like me who was moving his first steps in the profession of central banking. He will be missed. Condolences to his friends and family.

Gianluigi Ferrucci, Economist
European Central Bank 

Sincere condolences to friends and family of Professor Sinclair. I wish I knew him better as a person. But I will remember him as one of the greatest teachers I ever had.

Kuba Neneman
POLSiS

A lovely man, a very kind and supportive colleague. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. 

The Very Rev’d Dr Jeffrey John
Dean of St Albans, former Chaplain of Brasenose College

Peter’s lectures on international economics were a highlight of my time as an undergraduate at Oxford. I was also fortunate enough to have tutorials on Money and Banking with Peter as part of my Masters at Oxford. Peter was a true scholar, an inspiring teacher, and one of the nicest people in the profession. He will be sorely missed.

Professor Stephen Redding
Economics, Princeton University 

Peter, You were the only lecturer who made me realise that economics was the right choice. Your words “hand out!” Still echoes in my ear. Rest in peace.

Abdus Samad BScC 

Rest in peace professor. You were my great inspiration in achieving knowledge in economics.

Mr Tan nguyen
Msc international money and banking intake 2013 

Rest in peace

Yuxin Zou 

I am a student of sociology but very interested in economics. I think people who are researching economic theory must have passion about economics and have the academic ability to understand the discipline of it. So regretful of not attending your lectures last semester and now I missed the last opportunity! I will continue learning economics under the guidance of yours and the world will always remember your contributions towards this program. 

Xinyun Yao
BA Sociology

Very sad to hear the death of a notable teacher. A teacher is a spiritual father and a nation builder.

Qasim Hasan
Political Science And International Studies. School of Government and Society. 

As an alumni of the University I am experiencing a sad day on losing above all a decent human being leaving us all with a huge gap in our lives. No doubt legacy of his imparting knowledge will stay with all around him and beyond. RIP -

Dr Shahzad Yousuf Academic Director
City of London College 

I met Peter over 25 years ago when he was an external examiner at the University of Glasgow, a role that he fulfilled with great aplomb, demonstrating a deep understanding of the curricula and impeccable fairness. Later we worked together as colleagues and I was always struck by his warmth, humour and love of intellectual debate. He will be sadly missed.

Professor Christine Oughton
SOAS University of London 

It is a very sad and totally unexpected news. I first met Peter at the RES Easter school: I attended it and later was sending there my own PhD students. He was a very kind person, super-enthusiastic teacher and a very good economist. My deepest condolences to all his family.

Tatiana Kirsanova, Professor of Economics
University of Glasgow 

So so so sad!!! Our beloved Professor, your elegance and humour will be always remembered!!! R.I.P 

Mr Tantian Chen
Faculty of Economics

In 1973, I arrived at Brasenose College from the US and signed up to do my degree in PPE. Peter was the Economics tutor and Junior Dean. For reasons unrelated to his splendid teaching — some think it was because I couldn’t think as fast as the Politics tutor, Vernon Bogdanor, spoke — I transitioned into a graduate degree with a thesis supervisor in another College. But not before my friendship with Peter took root, and my respect for his intellect and generosity of spirit grew exponentially over the years. The thought that a virus could prematurely extinguish his spirit is difficult to fathom. My last correspondence with Peter was a couple of years ago and concerned a wonderful tribute he and Laurel Thompson wrote upon the death of our mutual friend Steve Goldman. In his note to me, he talked about “losing” me from the PPE curriculum 45 years earlier. Typical Peter. Deflect attention and credit to another. And now the rest of us will finally be able shower him with praise undeterred by the anticipated deflection. Rest In Peace Peter. You were a great and good man.

Dr. Peter Kalis
K&L Gates LLP 

Professor Sinclair gave me the first sense of modern macroeconomics. His lectures on growth macroeconomics always attracted lots of students as he was able to explain advance economics theories in different ways. He had a wisdom mind in economics, was a person who makes economic theories more attractive to learners.

Le Trung Thanh, PhD in Economics
Banking and Finance Department, Foreign Trade University, HCM Campus, Vietnam 

Peter was my economics tutor at Brasenose College, Oxford. He was the most extraordinary teacher - he opened up a path for me to study economics and inspired me and so many others in the subject. He was warm, enthusiastic and friendly to all that he met, and showed infinite patience with his students. A light has gone out of the world. My condolences go to Jayne, James and everyone else who was lucky to know him. Once this damned epidemic is over, I hope to both console and to be consoled with Peter's many friends and former students.

Guy Sier
Brasenose College, Oxford 

So sorry to hear this sad news. May Peter, rest in peace.

Yuanbo Ji
University of Birmingham 

Goodbye to my amazing and inspirational teacher. We will never forget your great erudition and enthusiasim in each lectures. Rest in peace our admirable professor!

Van Anh Nguyen
Alumni of Department of Economics 

Prof. Peter Sinclair is my most adorable teacher. I will always miss him. RIP teacher. 

Ms Hang Le
Department of Economics

Farewell Peter. I will always remember our tutorials on international economics over a coffee in the Covered Market! It was a privilege to be taught by you and I am incredibly grateful that my life was touched by yours.

Professor Stan Hurn
School of Economics and Finance, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia 

RIP. Our beloved lecturer – Mr Peter Sinclar! Reading the news on his passing because of the coronavirus, we – UoB students are totally shocked and mourning for the loss. This morning, all my memories come back when I touched his death note. I still recall his echo voice, and the way he said “hello” in distintive mother languages of a wide variety of students from different nationalities as a warm-up before his lecture. I remember myself sitting in the first row, sometimes dozing during his lecture, and in the break time, he would go to my place asking whether I was okie. We rarely remember his massive knowledge on macroeconomic theories which were passed on by such a passionate and renowned lecturer, except that his walks like a bear , and the warm-hearted voice which will be imprinted on our minds forever. Good bye teacher! He will be always respected and forever in our hearts. ♥️  

Ms Ngo Huong Lan
MSc Money, Banking and Finance

Peter was by far the best economics lecturer I ever had. Brilliant, inspiring, warm and full of joy. He was not only extremely intelligent and prepared but full of passion and sympathy for his students. “Hey the Mexicans! Silence” was his most common phrase during lectures ha,ha 

Pedro Lomelí Quirarte
UoB alumni

We love you. R.I.P. I still remember your class and your passions.

2014 Chinese student

Sir Peter Sinclair has always been a revered teacher among the South East Asian central bankers. I had the wonderful privilege of meeting and working with him when I was the Head of Training in the Central Bank of Malaysia and later at the South East Asian Centre of Training and Research ( SEACEN Centre ). He has the innate capabilities in translating monetary and government policies in terms that is strong in theory but sound in practice .... I will miss his great sense of humour and stories of his travels and love of train journeys , rest in peace , Peter.

Lim, Lai Hong
CEO, FIDE FORUM , Malaysia 

Dear Professor Sinclair, As one of your former student, it is really sad and astonishing to hear the news. You taught me Monetary Policy while I was in Year 3 in Uni. Your professionalism and many views of yours in Economics helped to shape my vision. May you R.I.P.

Lishuo Xue
Department of Economics Yr 2003-2006 

Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed. My most heartfelt condolences.

Christopher
2006 SEANZA CBC Organising Committee

Professor Sinclair, we are all shocked and saddened at your passing. You were an absolute inspiration and my favourite lecturer from my time at the University of Birmingham. Your passion and your inclusive style of teaching made us all feel like we were your peers and not your students. Thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones.

Safina Hussain, BSc Economics Graduate 2012
University of Birmingham 

Dear Jayne, I would like to send my condolences for your loss; I was so sad to hear the news about Peter. He was a joyful, larger than life, passionate man and his love for his subject was infectious. Peter taught me Economics at Birmingham University where I graduated in 2004. I have worked in the City ever since and would visit Peter for lunch at the Bank every now and then and get the amazing tour and updates on his stories. Peter also made a huge effort and came to my wedding in 2012 all the way up in Ledbury at Eastnor castle and it was so lovely to have him there! He helped a small group of us learn at uni by hosting 7.30am little study groups and his enthusiasm and energy stayed with all of us. We are so sorry for your loss and send you our love and well wishes. X Jemma Clee

Jemma c 

As a student of the Economic department, we should remember that economics was not a dismal science, but a discipline that, properly practiced, would and should make the world a better place. RIP.

Kathy Chen
Economics department 

It is with sadness that I hear about the death of an inspirational man Prof Peter Sinclair! He made me love my course so much due to his enthusiasm, expertise, experience and his charisma. He was an intelligent man that was truly amazing! I still remember him 11 years on!

Neyha phakey
Economics 

I am so sad to hear this

ChengchengLiu 

It is very shock to know this extreme sad news. Peter was my lecturer of Macroeconomics when I was a master student at the UOB, and then I became his Macro module’ s teaching assistant from 2008 until 2012 when I spent happy time in doing my Ph.D study. As his TA, I attended his Macro lectures soooo many times that I cant remember the exact number, but I was still impressed by his knowledgeable and enthusiastic presentation with various languages of multi countries every time. He s always with kind smile and confidence, and always encourages young students and scholars. I hope he knew he would be remembered and respected by so many students and friends. I give my condolences to his family. Rest in peace, Peter. 

Dr Yi Jin

Professor Peter Sinclair made me think about economic issues in new ways. His kindness and passion will be sorely missed.

Chang He
Money, Banking and Finance student 2013 

So very sad to hear that Peter has passed away. He supervised my PhD in the 90s, and has since been a great friend, not only to me but also to the South African Reserve Bank and to Wits. Besides being an exceptionally talented economist, he had such wide-ranging interests and was just the nicest man. Rest in peace, Peter.

Greg Farrell, Adjunct Professor
University of the Witwatersrand 

Peter was a wonderful scholar and a lovely person with many friends at Warwick. A cruel loss.

Mark Harrison, Emeritus Professor
Economics at the University of Warwick 

Peter was an incredible professor, always going out of his way to ensure his students had the best possible experience they could. I remember distinctly his love of languages and his use of these to make students feel familiar and safe in his lectures. Peter was incredibly dedicated to his students and I look back on the time I was taught by him with nothing but joy - even for our early morning lectures! Such a loss for all, but he will never be forgotten.

Molly Baker 

Peter was a wonderful, generous human being, always so enthusiastic about economics and so passionate about what our discipline had to say about the world around us. He will be missed.

Professor Danny Quah
Dean, and Li Ka Shing Professor in Economics, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore 

I met Peter for a first time about 15 years ago when I was still working at the HMT. I remember attending a lecture on Macroeconomics given by him – it was so profound, subtle and reinvigorating! Later on he become my PhD (by research) supervisor and I had the opportunity to regularly meet him at the Bank for discussing my thesis and much more. Peter was a real citizen of the world and he was always happy to come to deliver lectures at my projects around the world – we were together in various countries in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Africa. I will always remember his sense of humor, natural good will, innate kindness, and acute professionalism. I miss you Peter. Rest in peace.

Dr Boris Petkov
Team Leader, PFM EU Funded Projects 

Peter was a wonderful man with a real thirst for life. His passion for his subject was infectious and he taught me and many others with exemplary skill. I will never forget his lectures and cherish their memory. Thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. RIP

Mr Matthew Warman
BSc Economics (alumni) 

May you rest in peace Prof. Sinclair, what a great loss for UoB and all of us.

Wishnu Badrawani
Dept of Economics, UoB 

I am fortunate to have been taught by Professor Sinclair during my time studying at the University of Birmingham (2008-2011). It is with great sadness that I learnt of his passing and I will always carry fond memories of what an inspirational man he was and his ability to bring a lecture hall of students to life. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Kate Styles
BSc Economics and Geography graduate, 2011 

Peter Sinclair You were always and will always be the legend that taught is Topics. You were so smart and inspirational. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion for economics. You will be missed, but never forgotten! 

Miss. Saarika Radia BSc. ACA.

I knew Peter since I joined the University of Birmingham as a lecturer fifteen or so years ago. Peter was one of the kindest, most considerate and most attentive people I have ever met; always taking an interest in other people, always offering useful advise - always able to greet everyone in their language be that Italian, Chinese or Danish. His passing is a great tragedy and he will be sorely missed.

Martin Kaae Jensen, Professor
University of Nottingham and University of Surrey

I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to all Peter's family, close friends and colleagues. I am grateful for the chance to have met him on several occasions. I always appreciated his warm personality and exceptional scholarship. He shared his talents openly and constructively with so many.

Geoff Kenny, Head of Monetary Economics Section
Directorate General Reserach, European Central Bank

This is very sad news for all who knew him. I’ll never forget his generosity and good humour, nor his passion for and knowledge of his subject.

Peter Howells, Prof. Emerit. of Monetary Economics
Bristol Business School, UWE Bristol

I was shocked by hearing this heartbreaking news. Although I hadn't taken any of his lectures, I still want to send my message to him "May the Professor Peter Sinclair rest in peace!"

Mr. Hao Wei
2012 of Department of Economics

A truly wonderful friend and neighbour over many years on the 26th floor of Lauderdale Tower! We shall miss him enormously.

Sir Anthony & Lady Holland

Professor Peter Sinclair was such a nice professor that we all thrilled to attend his lecture,though the theory is so hard. He was patient and thoughtful during the lecture and always liked questions. He was not only a famous economist but also a easy-going and passioned lecturer.Although I am a oversea student , he treated me equally as local student. I am really sorry to lose him.

Xiaoran XIONG
Economic department

With solidarity with UoB colleagues and Professor Sinclair's loved ones from UCU at Birmingham City University.

Rhiannon Lockley
BCU UCU Branch Secretary

I am so very sorry to hear this news, wishing his family love and strength at this very hard time.

Elaine Matchett
Birmingham City Univeristy

I can't claim to have known Peter well but I have known him for a long time - from early Money Study Group conferences at Brasenose College in the 19780s-80s through his external examinership in St Andrews sometime in the 1990s to more recent times, when he and I often found ourselves on the same side in MMF committee debates. And of course he gave the MMF Special Lecture at the 2018 50th annual conference that we organised in Edinburgh - a lecture that discussed a range of issues in the UK economy with special reference to, and by way of a characteristically generous tribute to, the work of the recently deceased James Mirrlees. Peter was a true intellectual and a very decent human being, he will be sadly missed.

David Cobham
Heriot-Watt Uni

Dr Sinclair taught, or tried to teach, economics to me as an undergraduate at BNC in the '80s. He was the kindest and most patient man, always taking the time to see to the heart of what a student was struggling with, and taking a real interest in each of us. He was also quite brilliant. Such a good, good person, and will be so very, very missed.

Giles Clark
Brasenose, long ago

My tutor at Brasenose in his early days. One of the most generous people I have known. An out-of-hours query might prompt him to drop everything he was doing for an impromptu tutorial; also the best tutor I ever had.

Chris Andreae
Alumnus, Brasenose

I knew Peter from his time at the Bank of England, particularly his insights in research seminars, and the authoritative but kind and even jolly way that he delivered even the most devastating of critiques. His personality meant he was well known here even to those that didn't work directly with him. His death is a shock and he will be greatly missed.

Rohan Churm
Bank of England

It was a great time that i was your student ... Rest in Peace ... my dearest Prof.

Sungkard Karivate

So sorry to hear of Professor Sinclair's passing due to this virus. In the HE community this really brings home the emergency we are all facing at the moment. Deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

Bev Cole, S. Lecturer
School of Education and Social Work
Birmingham City University

A man of many languages and many talents. But most of all Peter always seemed to have time for other people. He will be sadly missed.

Nick M
BoE

I joined Economics Department at the University of Birmingham as Master student in 1993 and then as PhD student. I admired his energy and broadness of his knowledge during his lectures. When he visited Athens in 1997, I had the pleasure to have dinner with him at my parents house. It was obvious that his background had deep roots with Classics. He was speaking to me in Ancient Greek which is quite hard even for us, the modern Greeks. The sad news brought me a kind of nostalgia (what a nice Greek word!). I am sure he would knew the etymology of the word...

Dr Konstantinos Karras
European Central Bank

I would like to express my deep sadness about Peter's death. It was always so nice to meet him in different places around the Bank and always a great pleasure to talk with him. He was a thought leader in our research community who will always be remembered. Creative and humble, he will remain a role model for all of us. His impact on policy relevant research will continue to be felt many years from now. As a lasting legacy, I can't think of a better tribute for a researcher. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

Dr. Gerardo Ferrara
Capital Markets Division, Bank of England

By far one of the best lecturers I have had and one of the main reasons I decided to pursue a career as a professional economist. Peter had so much energy and passion for economics. No doubt, he will be missed by many. My deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time.

Bhavini Parmar
Economist, FCA

Professor Sinclair taught me in 2015, in my final undergraduate year at LSE. His lectures were humorous and energetic, but most memorable were his office hours, where his boundless patience, good spirit and warmth made the effort of mastering difficult concepts that much more rewarding. I remember him fondly. His untimely passing comes as sad news. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.

Amir R
LSE, 2015

Peter was an ever-present and enthusiastic presence at the Bank of England for as long as I can remember. In any conversation or presentation, no matter the topic, he would engage with rhapsody, as if what you were saying was the most interesting thing he had ever heard, and there was nothing he would rather be doing than talking with you right now. Reading the other comments, I see he had that unique ability to make everyone feel special. Wherever he is now, it is a better place for him being there.

Peter Zimmerman, Senior Economist
Bank of England

It is with great sadness that I receive the news of the passing away of Peter Sinclair, whose sharp intellect, wit and warmth will be greatly missed. His contribution to the London Financial Regulation Seminar gave me the chance of interacting and getting to know Peter better. My condolences to his family. This is also a loss for the wider economics profession: Peter embodied the virtues of academia, which he combined with the attributes of being a true British gentleman. R.I.P.

Professor Rosa Lastra, Sir John Lubbock Chair in Banking Law
Queen Mary University of London

Peter was a fantastic lecturer and it was truly a privilege to be taught by such a well-renowned, engaging and enthusiastic lecturer. His warmth and passion for his discipline greatly enhanced my experience and understanding of the subject and for that I will always be grateful. Thank you Peter, you have impacted many lives. Rest in peace.

Anon. Former Student
Economics Student 2015-2018

Economics is often known as the "dismal science", yet Professor Sinclair turned this definition on its head with his enthusiasm, his immense knowledge and his unique lecturing style that brought a cheer and a certain energy to the many lecture halls and seminar rooms across the campus. He was admired, respected and revered by the students who had the pleasure of being taught by him – and he will be sorely missed by everyone whose minds and economic understanding were made so much smarter by one of his lectures. Rest in peace, dear Professor Sinclair.

James Cull
Former Student

Professor Peter is a wonderful scholar. His contribution does make this world better. It is a great loss for the world to lose him. Rest in peace.

Yiran Su PhD student
Economics

Peter was always so welcoming when I visited Brasenose College from its sister college in Cambridge. I learned much from conversations about economic history at dinner or even at breakfast. I am shocked by this news and send my heartfelt condolences.

Prof. David Abulafia
Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge

What a shock this is. I exchanged email with Peter only one month ago, on 2nd March. Was really hoping get his insight on some of my thinking about technology and money. He will be hugely missed. I knew his wife Shelagh Heffernan rather better than I knew Peter, as my colleague in banking and finance at Cass. We lost Shelagh a decade ago. Huge respect for both. They were exemplars to our profession: as scholars, teachers and human beings, generous with the time and advice for both colleagues and students. May they both rest in peace.

Alistair Milne, Professor of Financial Economics
Loughborough University

Fare thee well, farewell Peter- great man. I have missed our many conversations over many years and I will miss them more now old friend.

Mark Salmon

Lovely man, sharp mind, passionate about helping and mentoring junior colleagues and students. A great loss to the profession and, I'm sure, his family.

Dr Vasco Gabriel
School of Economics, University of Surrey

Sad news indeed! Peter was special and made a major contributions in Birmingham and elsewhere, including introducing the annual Maxwell Fry (memorial) Global Finance lecture and succeeding Max at the Bank of England's Centre for Central Banking Studies, which he did with great pride. He will be sorely missed. Andy Mullineux.

Andy Mullineux, Professor of Financial Economics
LLoyds Banking Group Centre for Responsible Business, CHASM (Centre on Household Assets and Saving Management) and Department of Finance, Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham

I knew Peter from the Bank of England CCBS. He was a very kind man, a great economist and a great teacher. The last time I met him was at the National Bank of Poland CoFEE conference in late 2018. He had his usual big smile, and his shining optimism brightened my day. My condolences to all who were close to him.

Áron Gereben
European Investment Bank

Peter often spoke in German or French when I met him at our seminars or the canteen at the Bank of England. He always created a warm atmosphere around him making his company very enjoyable. He was also truly interested in all aspects of economics and progress at all frontiers of the field. There should me more like him. He will be missed.

Andreas Joseph
Bank of England

Peter Sinclair

It was a real shock and with sadness that I heard yesterday of the death from Covid-19 of Peter Sinclair. Unlike so many of those giving their tributes, I did not first meet Peter as a teacher nor precisely as student, but as an occasional partner across the bridge table when we were graduate students at Nuffield. This was Peter’s misfortune as my knowledge of the game at that time was rudimentary, but in those student days he was already unfailingly polite, good-humoured and helpful even when my blunders cost us a contract (as they did rather too regularly). Soon he resorted to some not-so-subtle tactics, announcing his bid with a tone of finality, and placing his cards firmly face-down on the table – even I understood that this was a hint for me to stop bidding.

Many have commented on his wide-ranging, indeed encyclopaedic knowledge, not just of economics, but of the world in general. Of course, it’s his knowledge of economics that many of us will particularly remember. Like others I benefitted greatly from his macroeconomics textbook especially in the breadth of ideas expressed across the whole subject. His interventions at seminars always sought to bring out the positive aspects of a paper, and in this way helped to rescue work, which to many of the rest of us looked to be hopelessly off-track.

As my own interests have changed, I have met Peter very infrequently over many years now, but when we did meet he was unfailingly polite, interested in my work, forthcoming to talk engagingly about his own, as well as to ruminate on the wider problems of the world. We will miss him.

Christopher J. Green, Emeritus Professor (Economic and Finance)
School of Business and Economics
Loughborough University

I remember Peter as the most incredibly generous and kind man, always seeing the positive side in others and their work, a scholar through and through. Peter taught me on the Money, Banking and Finance programme and was the second adviser/internal examiner on my PhD in the Economics department. My most vivid memory is his telling students off for chatting in his class when he was trying to explain Romer's endogenous growth model - in their native tongue, whatever it was: usually Greek, sometimes Chinese, French, Italian, German, you name it. And his smile and cheerful greeting when you ran into him on campus. The dusty bottle of port he pulled out from somewhere after my viva. He enriched so many people's lives. I will miss him.

Van Luu, Head of Currency
Russell Investments

A true scholar, a brilliant teacher, a treasured colleague, a lovely man. We are all the poorer for Peter's passing, but so much richer - intellectually and interpersonally - for having known him.

Andy Haldane

Peter was the most generous and kind person that anyone could have the good fortune to meet. His enthusiasm for economics and the encouragement of the young and sometimes misguided knew no bounds. He could always find something insightful and positive to say about any piece of work he encountered. His professional service was unstinting. He gave his time to advise numerous academic economics departments, including my own and we were all the better for his careful analysis and well constructed advice. The support he gave me in trying to run a professional society was always well informed and, even better, with the best intentions and in the best humour. His loss leaves a huge hole in our community as it will for others. Rest in Peace, Peter.

Professor Peter N Smith
Department of Economics
University of York and the Money, Macro and Finance Society

I remember Peter as the most incredibly generous and kind man, always seeing the positive side in others and their work, a scholar through and through. Peter taught me on the Money, Banking and Finance programme and was the second adviser/internal examiner on my PhD in the Economics department. My most vivid memory is his telling students off for chatting in his class when he was trying to explain Romer's endogenous growth model - in their native tongue, whatever it was: usually Greek, sometimes Chinese, French, Italian, German, you name it. And his smile and cheerful greeting when you ran into him on campus. The dusty bottle of port he pulled out from somewhere after my viva. He enriched so many people's lives. I will miss him.

Van Luu, Head of Currency
Russell Investments

I met Peter several times conferences. He was the MSC external examiner in Durham and was also an external examiner for one of my PhD students. He was a sharp, alert and most importantly a delightful academic. He will be tremendously missed in the community.

Parantap Basu, Professor of Macroeconomics
Durham University Business School

I met Professor Sinclair through my final year studies at Birmingham University. Professor Sinclair stood out to me possessing both amazing ability and genuine passion for his field, I always looked forward to his lectures. He was an incredibly approachable person who always seemed to have time for everyone and above all sought to inspire his students. I am saddened by his passing and would like to pass on condolences to his family. He will be warmly remembered by us all.

Stephen Drury
University of Birmingham - Economics alumni

Even though I personally interacted with Peter only a few times, I felt on many occasions how his presence among us made the Economics Department a much better place for everyone to learn and research. In particular, as a Ph.D. candidate I remain deeply impressed and grateful for the efforts he regularly made to attend the weekly doctoral seminars. He always took very seriously the work that was presented to him, and always gave wise suggestions and inspiring comments. His kind presence in the audience will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.

Mallory Yeromonahos, Ph.D. candidate
University of Birmingham, Economics Department

I have known Peter for more than five decades and could repeat many of the academic memories that mean Peter's death has caused us all such sadness. Let me rather speak as a longstanding neighbour of Peter in his London apartment block. The Barbican is known to many as a concrete jungle, but neighbours - some of whom had no idea he was a great economist - remember Peter as one of those whose cheery face brightened many a day. He was always a favourite for that chance encounter in the lift, lobby or the walk to Waitrose (sometimes relaxing foreign guests in Japanese, Chinese, or Swahili!). We will miss him and offer heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues.

Professor Leslie Hannah
London School of Economics

Rest in peace. My thoughts are with your family and loved ones.

Hugh Campbell
South Africa

Deeply saddening news from a Professor who was so enthusiastic about the material he was teaching and caring towards his students. He will be greatly missed. All my condolences to his wife and family.

Goya
LSE/ University of Chicago

Peter was a fantastic economist on paper, in the seminar room and in person, keen always to share his passion, his encouragement and his thoughts without limit. He was also an extremely kind man who wore his varied abilities very lightly. I was extremely sad to hear the news.

Alex Trew
University of Glasgow

Peter Sinclair - a fine scholar, an inspired communicator and a very very kind and generous man. Rest in Peace.

Lynne Evans
Formerly Durham Economics and Newcastle Economics

I was greatly saddened to hear of Prof Sinclair's death. A lovely man, a very kind and supportive colleague. May he rest in peace. My sincerest sympathies to his family and friends.

Dwityapoetra Soeyasa Besar
Bank Indonesia

It is sad news to hear about loss of such an intellect and a kind colleague. He has definitely left an indelible impact. My deepest condolences to Jayne and the rest of family. Rest in peace Peter, you will always be remembered!

Ahmad Bhatti
Birmingham Business School

I knew Peter only very briefly, I in the role as an MSc Programmes Manager at LSE, he as an external lecturer/examiner. He was one of the most delightful visitors to my office. Deeply concerned with and focussed on the students and wanting always for their best. I'm sure my experience of his enthusiasm and earnest manner were simply the tip of the iceberg, it was evident that he treated everyone with kindness and compassion.

Brieanne Doyle (former MSc Programmes Manager)
Dept of Economics, LSE

I learnt with immense shock and sadness the death of Professor Peter Sinclair of Department of Economics, UoB. Professor Sinclair was my Microeconomics Lecturer in 2010/11 academic year for my postgraduate degree (MSc in Development Economics). He was a brilliant lecturer with a great sense of humour. I can't forget your early morning lectures in Muirhead and Pyonting Physics Buildings. Rest in peace Prof. Until we meet again.....

Mr Ismaila Danso, Director of Delivery Unit
Department for Strategic Policy and Delivery, Office of The President, The Gambia, West Africa

Such a terrible loss to family, friends and the world. All the superlatives are true: Peter was a wonderfully kind, considerate, charismatic, larger than life, renaissance man.... Another taken too soon. So sad.

Celia Fry
Oxford noneconomist

The smartest and kindest person one can ever be so lucky to interact and work with. I still miss every comment you gave on my paper in a Conference in Bristol and your extremely interesting video lecture in Central Banking Course in Nepal. My condolences to your family members. Good bye.

Dr Chau Le
University of Lincoln

Peter, I had the absolute privilege of being one of your students during my time at the University of Birmingham. Across a four year undergraduate degree with one year spent studying Economics in Spain, there was one course and one professor I could never forget. That was Topics and Peter Sinclair. I vividly remember how you were able to silence instantaneously a lecture theatre of 300 students who were too busy chatting away and not concentrating on your explanations of the Ramsey model. For the vast majority, this would be a challenge but you did this so effortlessly yet gracefully.

I will also never forget how you greeted fellow students from overseas institutions who attended your 'Open house' revision lectures. It amazed me how you could communicate in their native language and in doing so, understand more about them. This was one of your many ways to understand the students you taught. It was apparent that you cared not only about their subject knowledge but also their life beyond the lecture room. There was a distinct aura every time you entered the room which no other individual could recreate. Your mannerisms, exceptional intelligence and genuine enthusiasm for Economics all whilst being incredibly humble is the reason why I and many friends from Birmingham can never forget you during our lifetime.

Despite graduating in 2013/2014 we still continue to speak about your lectures to this day. This alone shows how much of an impact you had on us. Thank you sincerely for sharing your unequivocal enthusiasm and knowledge and helping me to extract the most out of my potential. Rest in peace Professor.

Devan Raval
Cabinet Office

I had the very great privilege of being taught by Peter from 1996-99, only a few years after he had joined Birmingham from Oxford University. I remember him telling us where he had come from and our group being taken aback that he wanted to teach people like us! He was the best teacher- effervescent, optimistic, and brilliant. Every lecture, he would greet the international students in the front row in their own languages, and sometimes tried out some Welsh on me. We were in awe of him, and in doodling the "stick men of economics" caricatures of our lecturers, Peter's stickman had a halo. We were in his fan club, and after graduating we have talked of his influence on us years later. About 5 years back I was walking to my office, past the Bank of England and there he wa, walking towards me! I blurted out "Professor!" and he didn't hear me, and so I touched him on the arm. He said "oh sorry" as if he had bumped into me, and I said "no, I stopped you, I used to be in your class". He asked me to tell him about my life and I told him, how well my career was going and how much I had appreciated his teaching. He seemed genuinely delighted and then gave me a massive hug. What a wonderful man, I will remember him always, and what he instilled in me every day.

Sarah Jones
Partner, Cushman & Wakefield

Peter was my Professor of Economics and dissertation tutor at the University of Warwick in 2012-13. He left the most lasting impression on me and was the person who inspired me to truly love Economics. Peter was the best Economist I have ever met. Everyone could instantly feel unparalleled knowledge and dozens years of teaching experience behind him. His was also a very kind person. It was a real pleasure to attend his lectures and work with him on the thesis. His death is a big shock to me. I'd like to offer my deepest sympathy to his family and friends at this difficult time.

Andrei Viacherski
EY

Deeply saddened to hear this news and sending Peter's family all the very best at this incredibly difficult time. Peter was a joy to speak to, a wealth of knowledge and a joy to speak to and I will miss his beautifully cheery, happy, well spoken greeting.

Anna Pitty
SED, Bank of England

No words can describe my sadness when I heard this news. Professor Peter Sinclair was one of the best teachers that I ever had. His unique teaching style made Macroeconomics so attractive and benefited many generations of students. I still remember his voice, smile, language talent, quick wit and sense of humour. He will be very much missed by many people. Rest in Peace.

Dr Jing Zhang
Nottingham University Business School

I first met Peter at the Oxford Analytica summer school and then as a colleague at Birmingham.Peter was kind and incredibly knowledgeable. In particular I was impressed by how much he knew about Germany(my speciality) and I have no doubt that others would be surprised by how much he knew about their area.Peter was larger than life in his knowledge base and his kind and encouraging personality. His presence made everyone else better.

Professor William Paterson
Institute for German Studies

I knew Peter since 1965, when I matriculated at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, then to read classics. He was, I believe, already in his second year of Politics, Philosophy and Economics. Subsequently, we were both at Nuffield College, Oxford. Thereafter, we met on many occasions, as fellow economists and as friends. He was from the beginning what he was until the end, a man of exceptional warmth, kindness, decency and intelligence. His interests were extremely broad, in economics and also well beyond economics, notably including politics. He was then a very moderate sort of Tory. His connections across the world of economics were wide, his scholarship deep and, to me most important, his common sense pervasive. I am deeply shocked and upset by his passing.

Martin Wolf CBE
Financial Times

It is very sad to hear that Peter passed away. He touched so many people with his intelligence and kindness. He will live forever in our memories.

Laura Povoledo
UWE Bristol

Peter Sinclair was a brilliant person, overflowing with intellectual power, matched only by his exceptional modesty and interest in and care for others. I first knew him forty years ago when he was my undergraduate tutor for a paper on money and banking. Peter managed to convey a sense of huge excitement and enjoyment in every tutorial, but these sessions are most memorable to me for the way Peter was so constructive and kind when I simply hadn't quite understood what was going on. I vividly remember one week losing the bag in which I had kept my notes from the last meeting, which included the reading and title for the following week's essay. I contacted Peter, who sent a note back with enormous detail about what I should read, where I would find it, and what I should take from it, and all this while somehow implying that he should apologise for my having had a bag stolen.

I saw Peter on and off for the next forty years, and on every occasion he was kind and bright and a delight to be with. What turned out to be our last meeting was at a party for Nuffield alumni early this year in London, where as ever he was at the centre of animated conversation, with his customary twinkling eyes.

To be so brilliant and so kind is a rare combination. What a sad loss.

Andrew Dilnot
Nuffield College

Peter gave the introductory micro lectures in econ in Oxford in '89. Most people had not done economics before, while I had done O level and A level economics. The first one seemed beneath me, so I decided to skip them. At the end of the year I got the 2:2 I deserved and realised - too late - what a stupid decision I had made. Thankfully I got my act together and got a first in finals, allowing me to stay on for the MPhil. Peter gave some of the macro lectures, and I made sure I attended them. I realised that by missing his first year lectures, I had not only shot myself in the foot in terms of my exam grade, but I had missed some wonderful entertainment. He (and Philippe Aghion) were by far the best economics lecturers I had.

Later on, as a faculty member at LSE, I tried to model myself on those whose lectures I respect. Above all, treat teaching seriously. Treat your students with respect. Remember that it doesn't matter what you say, it matters what your students learn. I saw Peter at some point last year, at a Nuffield Foundation event. He had not changed at all.

Let me conclude by saying that Oxford's failure to make him a full professor was a bad call on their part, but that the loss to Oxford's students will have been Birmingham student's gain.

Tim Leunig, Economic Adviser to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Senior Visiting Fellow, London School of Economics
HM Treasury and LSE

So sad.My condolences. May his soul RIP. 

Jonathan Wong
Engineering Production and Economics (1990)

I met Peter at a NIESR event only a few weeks. It is difficult to comprehend that he is no longer with us. Peter had a unique ability to make everyone he met feel valued. My condolences to his family. 

Professor Mary O'Mahony
King's Business School, King's College London

I cannot believe that Peter has left us: his death is truly a devastating loss. I first met Peter in October 2012. One day, I ran late into the large lecture room on the ground floor of Muirhead Tower. As soon as I entered the room, I heard someone say こんばんは（hello in Japanese) at my back. I was busy looking for a seat, and I didn't turn around. Then I heard สบายดีหรือ (hello in Thai). I was so curious, and turning around, I saw a man with a passionate and infinitely kind smile, pointing his finger to the chair, saying "handout". I believe this will be a familiar story to many of you reading this today. He was so capable of explaining the difficult economic theory in a vivid and straightforward way. He made me believe that applying economic theory into practice can make the world better. He had infinite patience to his students and provided so much to the doctoral community at Birmingham, with so much kindness and generosity in his heart for everyone, inspiring others to be more like him. Thank you, Peter, for everything you have done for us, may you rest in peace. 

Dr Yanan Zhang
Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology, University of Birmingham

Professor Sinclair taught me the theory of economic growth during 2001-02 when I started the master study in the University of Birmingham. He was such a great and passionate teacher who stimulated us all so much. I met him again in the RES conference in Warwick in 2008 and attended his lecture in Oxford in 2009, where we had a good chat. He was always kind, smart and humorous. It is hard to believe in this sad news. Professor Sinclair, you are missed by us. Rest in peace! 

Dr Sai Ding
Economics, Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow

I was truly sorry to hear the sad and tragic news of Peter's death. Peter was an outstanding academic who made many important contributions in several areas of economics. His skill and expertise were also widely sought by central banks and other agencies around the world. He was a master of theory and analysis but also had the rare skill of being able to translate this into clear and understandable advice which often made complex analysis seem quite simple. Many academic and professional economists and former students learned a great deal from him and owe him a lot. He was very active in many academic and professional areas of economics and finance. At Oxford, Birmingham and the Bank of England's Centre for Central Banking Studies he has left an indelible mark. This will also be true for the many former undergraduate and graduate students many of whom have risen to the top of their respective professions. Peter is a serious loss to economics and to his countless friends and colleagues around the world. I will remember him with great affection. Perhaps above all he was a lovely man. Peter, Shelagh and I were friends for a long time. Our social meetings were always so enjoyable and convivial. He was a warm, courteous and considerate friend whose company we all enjoyed. Anyone who ever met him will certainly remember the experience. It was a great honour and pleasure when he invited me to deliver one of the annual Maxwell Fry Lectures and to enjoy his convivial dinner after. Peter is a serious loss to economics and to his countless friends and colleagues around the world. I will always remember him with great affection and admiration. 

Professor David T Llewellyn
School of Business and Economics, Loughborough University

Peter was very special, making major contributions in Birmingham and elsewhere. I remember him particularly for the immense enthusiasm with which he introduced the annual Maxwell Fry (memorial) Global Finance lecture. We, and the speakers and attendees, are very fortunate that he did so. He was a great friend of Max's and succeeded him with pride and his trademark gusto at the Bank of England's Centre for Central Banking Studies. He will be sorely missed by all of us. 

Andy Mullineux, Professor of Financial Economics
Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham

Deeply saddened by this news. Professor Sinclair was such a talented economist and a inspirational teacher. I was in his Macroeconomics classes almost twenty years ago, but I still remember how he explained the growth models with his knowledge, passion and humour. He made international students felt warmly welcomed when speaking in their home languages. A true gentleman and a great scholar. Professor, you will be remembered and deeply missed. Rest in Peace. 

Dr Mingru Sun
Birmingham City Business School

I first met Peter when I was a summer intern at the Bank of England. I was sitting in a corner, nervously working on a little project and learning how to navigate a spreadsheet for the first time. Peter happened to be situated nearby, on a desk accompanied with the biggest pile of papers I'd ever seen. He regularly walked over to me with a beaming smile to ask how I was doing and that he'd be fascinated to find out what I was working on. I remember little of my internship but vividly recall Peter. You would be hard pressed to find a more friendly, warm and kind person. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. 

Shiv Chowla
Bank of England

Oh my dear professor ....I was so lucky meeting you! Your positive attitude will inspire me! Rest in Peace! Condolences to the family! 

Prof. Dr. Mihai Mutascu
ESCE International Business School Paris

I am a student from UOB. Although I had not attend this professor‘s classes. From the background detail, I know that he is an excellent economic professor. And I know each death is not just a number and we should remember it. I am writing to express my sincere condolences on the death of professor Sinclair. 

Yu
Birmingham Business school

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I didn't know you well but saw you the times you came to hand registers back to our office. From those brief encounters, our team always said how lovely you were. I really hope your family are well and are coping during this very sad time. I'm so very sorry for all of this sadness which has taken some of the nicest people. Rest in peace x 

Yen Nguyen
Birmingham Business School Student Services - Compliance and Reception

During my time studying Economics at the University of Birmingham, i never came across a more exciting, intelligent, engaging and hilarious professor, which is quite the statement given the amount of amazing lecturers at the University. He only taught me for one semester but left a lasting impression with the range and depth of his knowledge, which spanned across many subject areas. Attending every lecture of his was a great experience! 

AH
Economics Student

Sorry to hear of your sad news. Our thoughts are with Peter’s family at this tough time. 

Dr David Houghton
Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham

It is so sad to hear that Professor SInclair is gone so soon. He was a great and so dedicated tutor, always giving his students extra. I will always remember the inspiring days of attending his early morning tutorials. Please accept my deepest sympathies for this great loss. 

Amy Du, FCCA
MSc International Ecomonics, 2005

Dear Peter Thank you for all you kindness and wisdom. We will always retain and treasure fond memories. David and Marilyn Clark.

David Owen Clark
European Investment Bank (retired) 

Very fondly remember my time being entertainingly educated Professor Sinclair - his use of cricketing averages was always very effective. A great man and very sorry to learn of his passing.

David Brooks
Social Sciences, economics 95-98 

It was a great shock to hear of the untimely death of Peter. I met him academically in the late 1970s on the economics conference circuit but I got to know him much better after I joined City University Business School (CUBS) in 1988 as Peter's wife Shelagh was in the same department. Later we lived in Shakespeare Tower in the Barbican while Peter and Shelagh were in Lauderdale Tower and we had many social interactions as well as academic ones.

Peter and I had even closer professional contact between 1997 and 2001 when we were both on the staff at the Bank of England and attending many of the same meetings. In 2001 I returned to CUBS (which soon became CASS) as head of the Faculty of Finance and Shelagh was in that faculty. She was a hard-working and valued colleague but her health was slowly failing and Peter valiantly supported her through those difficult years. In 2010, she tragically died at the age of 55. We were very worried for Peter at the time but he threw himself into his work with his usual gusto and happily he later met and married a new wife. It is doubly sad that his new life has been cut short so suddenly.

Peter was a gentleman in the literal sense of the word. He was helpful and kind to students and colleagues alike. He was very intelligent and enormously knowledgeable but he never tried to point out errors in others' work. Rather he always had positive things to say and helpful suggestions to make. He was cleverer than just about all of us but he never tried to score points and instead wanted to encourage all around him. He was brilliant at dealing with international students or academic visitors as he would almost always have something to say in their own language, and would probably have visited their home town or know one of their professors, or even their prime minister! Peter's passing is very sad for all of us (his friends and colleagues) but it is an even greater loss for his wife and their extended family. Our very greatest sympathy goes out to all of you. I hope we can all meet in happier times to reminisce, but in the meantime please be assured that you are in our thoughts and we are with you in spirit. 

Professor Alec Chrystal
Faculty of Finance, Cass Business School, City University of London

Peter was a great economist and an incredibly intellectual person, able to converse in about a hundred different languages and to ask the cleverest question during the department seminars at the University of Birmingham. There I had the honour of having him as my teacher and Ph.D. supervisor. I will always remember his office, packed with piles of journals and books, and our meetings to discuss economics at the Staff House. He passed on a lot of knowledge to me. Thanks to Peter, I read numerous academic papers before I started to write my thesis. Moreover, he encouraged me to find my own research topics and gave me the chance to participate in one of his research projects with the English Treasury. His optimism was contagious and thanks to his encouragement and inspiration I made my way into academics. Rest in peace, and my sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Professor Inmaculada Martinez-Zarzoso
Department of Economics, University of Goettingen, Germany and University Jaume I, Spain 

Very saddened to hear of the passing of Prof Peter Sinclair. During my PhD I worked for a year as his TA for the LSE Economic Policy Analysis course he taught with Gabriel Zucman and I was always impressed by his genuine kindness & relentless generosity, rare traits indeed. From a 1st year undergrad to senior colleagues he treated everyone with the outmost respect & showed unwavering support, often conversating with you in your native language to make you feel heard. He will be dearly missed.

Angelo Martelli, Assistant Professor
LSE European Institute 

Really sad to hear of the passing of Peter. He interviewed me as part of my entrance to Brasenose to study PPE. His enthusiasm for economics has never left me, even after all these years. Sadly missed.

Mr Christopher Pottle
Former student at Brasenose 

Peter Sinclair was my lecturer for Topics B in 2018/19. He was an incredible lecturer, someone who had such a passion towards economics that I’d never seen before! He was so helpful and so so lovely. It’s such horrible news and I’ve still not completely come to terms with it. He took care of his students, taught us well and always made sure we laughed during his lectures. May he rest in peace, sending my condolences to his family. 

Peter was a great friend and colleague. Remarkably sharp and cultured yet modest and kind. He affected my professional and private life in so many ways. He was my supervisor at Brasenose College in the first year of my DPhil. I felt very honoured to meet him there when I first arrived 28 years ago, as I had used his textbook "Unemployment: Economic Theory and Evidence" in Stockholm. He made me remain in the UK, encouraging me to take up my first a lectureship at the University of Birmingham. He organised the Royal Economic Society Easter School where I met my wife. More recently, he was a very popular external examiner at Durham University Business School and a generous and inspirational external examiner of several of my PhD students. He will be deeply missed.

Dr Thomas Renstrom
Durham University Business School 

I was two years ahead of Peter at Corpus. We were the smallest college. It was clear from the outset that Peter would throw himself into college life which he very obviously enjoyed, convivial, an excellent host and aconoisseur of JCR meetings. He wore his learning lightly, but his ability was obvious. It was a great pleasure to entertain him to lunch in January with Mary Stokes with whom he taught at BNC. Reading the messages, I can see his character never changed, a lovely man and a very sad loss. 

Andrew Thornhill QC

I was introduced to Peter by a mutual friend when I first joined the Bank of England in 2015 as a Senior Economist. He was remarkably welcoming, unassuming, kind, gentle, and warm, and took a genuine interest in someone far more junior and less experienced -- seemingly rank-blind -- a beautiful humility. I was very saddened to hear of his life was shortened by Covid. The world would be a better place with more people like him.

Peter Eckley, Acting Head of Division
Data Strategy Implementation Division, Bank of England 

Hi - I was taught by Dr Sinclair as final year BSocSc Economics with French - he was such an inspiration. I came back from a year out in Paris and was lucky to have him as my key lecturer. Even though I don't work primarily in Economics now , people like Peter have raised my bar in life high that make me work hard on daily basis, Rest in peace - a huge loss to Uni of Birmingham.

Beverley Russell, 1996 Economics with French 
Mattock

Peter’s death has left a deep void. I first met Peter at the Royal Economic Society Easter School that he very generously organised for PhD students. I was struck by his great enthusiasm, charm and deep knowledge that he kindly shared with anyone, regardless of his/her status. I was very lucky to meet him quite often afterwards to have conversations on all sorts of topics, economics of course, but also, languages, classical civilisation, history and so on and on. I learned a lot, but foremostly I profoundly appreciated Peter’s integrity and generosity. His memory will always guide me through my professional and personal journey.

Dr Laura Marsiliani
Department of Economics and Finance, Durham University Business School 

RIP Prof Sinclair. We will missed you physically. We have impacted knowledge and be proud all you students were making the world better.

Mr .Yahya Samateh. From the Gambia
Director. Graduate student 2010, Economics department 

Peter was rare in combining kindest and generosity with intellectual curiosity and an enormously broad knowledge of economics. I met him first even before I became an undergraduate when he agreed, one Saturday morning, to meet with a small group of us who were in the process of applying to university. This was a time when applying to Oxford from a state school was a particularly intimidating experience. The meeting was inspirational and in no time at all he had covered the board with complicated diagrams involving curves shirfting in every conceivable direction. Little did I know then that our paths would cross so frequently and, it was particularly memorable for me was when he signed me up to teach the RES Easter school (with "Balti night" for all participants being a highlight of the program).

The last time I saw Peter was in Birmingham in January this year and I had the pleasure seeing him at a dinner at the VC's house. He sent me a paper as a follow up the next day and rather apologetically noted that the message of the paper contained (in his words) "Not very joyful findings!" It was our last encounter and it is hard to believe that I will not again enjoy that uplifting feeling that inevitably came from being in Peter's company. But, like so many others, I will never forget times spent with him and will be forever grateful for them. 

Tim Besley
LSE

I am so sorry, rest in peace, dear professor

Ms Zhang 
EECE

It is with great sadness that I learnt of the death of Peter. I was a PhD student at Warwick when he was lecturing Macro there. Before presenting my work at an internal Warwick seminar I sent out an email to people on the faculty, telling them about it and inviting them to attend. He sent a very nice message saying he would not be able to attend. I remember at the time thinking that was a very kind thing to do: rather than just not turning up. Paul

Dr Paul Youdell 

Peter was an incredibly gentle and genteel man - a central banker’s central banker, and a professor’s professor. A terrible loss, but what a blessing to have met him. 

David Bholat, Senior Manager
Bank of England

I am incredibly saddened by the news of Peter's passing. One thing comes across in all the thoughts: his kindness and warm-heartedness. I will remember him always with a smile, and him putting a smile on my face when switching immediately to my native language. He seemed to know them all. My thoughts are with his family.

Julia Giese
Bank of England 

Saddened to hear about your story. You were such a great economics teacher and always told such funny stories that I can still remember. Rest in peace.

Bhavika
Ex economics student 

Peter will be sadly missed! A decent intellectual with an impeccable sense of humour, and a natural teacher. His contributions were remarkable and far reaching. He was always available, giving, and above all decent. Many of us benefited from wit and intellect, and we shall not forget his example.

DImitrios P. Tsomocos , Professor of Financial Economics
SAID Business School and St. Edmund Hall, University of Oxford 

I am very sad to hear this news. Apart from being an enthusiastic and wide ranging academic who made many interesting contributions, Peter was an unusually good organizer and administrator. This was very clear when he was one of the editors of the OEP, when he was chairman of the MMF and also in his performing external examining duties at QMUL. He was exceedingly fair minded, compassionate and sensible in his interpretation of rules and regulations, I also always very much enjoyed Peter's company at conferences and apart from being insightful and interesting; he was one of the most jovial and charming people in the profession. He will be greatly missed.

Professor Richard T Baillie
Michigan State University and King's College, London 

I was very sorry to hear of Peter’s passing. My principal interactions with him were through the RES where, as Conference Secretary for several years, I sought his advice, or drew on his experience from running the Easter School on a number of occasions. Nothing was too much trouble, or too difficult to solve, and everything was delivered in the warmest and most supportive of ways. I hope that the warmth of the memories expressed in this Book provide some solace to Peter’s family at this difficult time: he was very rare and much loved person.

Neil Rickman
School of Economics, University of Surrey 

He was an amazing person and influenced my career and life so much in a very (very) positive way. I owed so much to him. My greatest regret is that I missed a chance to invite him to Japan as a scholar. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Tetsugen Haruyama, Professor of Economics
Graduate School of Economics, Kobe University, Japan 

It was a great pleasure for me to have the chance to take Professor Sinclair’s Macroeconomics lectures during my study in Birmingham. His wisdom and enthusiasm inspired my passion to explore the economic theories and carry on a career path in economic and financial area. Deepest condolence. May he Rest In Peace.

Dr. Yixin Hou (former PhD student in Department of Economics, University of Birmingham 
CRO, Bangkok Bank (China), Shanghai, China

Peter was my tutor when I came to Oxford to do an MPhil in Economics in 1982. I knew nothing about macroeconomic policy in the UK or Europe and Peter was such a good, patient teacher, always smiling, always encouraging, and I feel bad for having lost touch after he left Oxford. My deepest condolences to his family and many friends and colleagues.

Madhura Swaminathan
Indian Statistical Institute, Bangalore 

I remember Peter as the nicest and best lecturer at Oxford where I studied the Mphil in Economics from 1978 to 1980, the same cohort as Shelagh Heffernan his first late wife, who I knew well at the time. Indeed it is very sad news.

Patrick Dennis former Chief Economist IBJ
Previously Economics, Oxford University 

It's been an honour and a privilege to have known Peter for the last 18 years. A true gentleman - so caring, kind and supportive of the work of the UG Economics Team and who appreciated everything we did to support him. Respected by colleagues and adored by his students and this was never more evident than on Graduation Day, when students would be waiting to introduce him to their families. Thank you for the memories. Deepest sympathy to your wife, family and friends. Rest in Peace.

Lisa Docker, Learning and Teaching Officer - Economics
Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham 

I was lucky to have Professor Peter Sinclair as my Ph.D. examiner at Durham University Business School in 2015. He was one of a kind, gentle, smart, and knowledgeable persons I have ever met in my life. I was very impressed not only for his vast knowledge of macroeconomics but also for his intense cultural acquaintance in the world. I still recall the words, he uttered at the beginning of the viva: "Please do not think of this meeting as your examination. Instead, believe this is one of the rare opportunities in your life where two expert academicians have read your work and are going to ask you some questions for their clarifications as they enjoyed reading your thesis and wanted to know more about the topic".

His positive attitude relieved my stress during my viva, and it was an enjoyable discussion with him on my work. His constructive comments enriched my Ph.D. thesis, and it was a pleasure to receive appreciation from him about my work. I learned from him how a teacher should behave with the students and still try to follow him. I was fortunate to meet him in Durham on a couple of occasions. I was deeply saddened to hear about his sudden demise due to COVID-19. He will always be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. May his soul Rest in Peace. Sakib Amin Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Dr. Sakib Amin
School of Business and Economics, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Deeply saddened by this news. During my 22 years at the Bank whenever I spoke to Peter he was - without fail - polite, enthusiastic and kind - and always extremely grateful for even the smallest admin task I could help him with. He will be missed by many. Sending my deepest condolences. Sleep tight Peter, heaven has gained an angel.

Amy Rendell
Bank of England 

Rest in peace.

Dr. Ndibalema
Business School 

It was devastating to hear of Peter’s untimely death. He was a friend for decades. He was an outstanding teacher, an excellent economist, a lovely man, and a close friend. We will all miss him. The world is a sorrier place in his absence.

Professor Charles Goodhart
Financial Markets Group, London School of Economics 

Shocked and saddened by the news of the passing away of Peter Sinclair, my former tutor and advisor at Oxford University. My condolences to his family and friends. The world has lost a brilliant mind and a kind soul.

Abhisit Vejjajiva
Former Prime-Minister, Thailand 

A great teacher is gracious, has clarity of thought and the ability to explain even difficult subjects to his students in a simple manner. He is patient like the earth; gentle like a flower; stable like a mountain. He has balance of mind, and he is like a weighing scale, in the sense that he tilts on the side of justice. This, to me, sums up everything about Peter.

Like so many other friends and colleagues, I feel blessed to have been taught my macroeconomics by him at Oxford, to have worked alongside him at the Bank of England, and to have had the pleasure of his company on so many occasions. Every encounter brought smiles. The world will be a smaller place without him. 

Prasanna Gai
Professor of Macroeconomics, University of Auckland

Peter welcomed me on my first day as a graduate student. I have never forgotten his kindness at that meeting, or the sense he gave me that my future as an economist mattered to him, and that what I said, thought and did was important. His warmth, positivity and unfailing interest in the world around him have made many subsequent encounters memorable. Like so many others, I shall miss him.

Professor Margaret Stevens
Department of Economics, University of Oxford 

Shocked and saddened. Like for countless others, for me, Peter was an inspiration. He taught me how to learn. Forty years later, I still get that same excitement from breaking new ground through learning. Thank you, sir Peter. (I struggled initially to call him Peter, much to his and others’ amusement. Given how warm-natured he was, this was definitely my bad!).

Part of me deeply wishes I was more selfish and took a larger slice of his company. After college, my awe of him meant I kept a distance knowing how much ‘in demand’ he was and his inability to say no. I always felt I had a special bond with him, even without seeing him for years on end, whilst knowing almost everyone else he met felt the same. Goodness knows the loss to those closest to him and his family. So sad. 

Mark Wasilewski
Brasenose, 1978

It is with great sadness hearing that Peter is no longer with us. Peter was such a kind man who will be missed very much. Fond memories are what we have to remember. Deepest sympathy. Rest in peace Peter.

Shavinder Manku, UG Recruitment & Admissions Officer
Birmingham Business School 

A brilliant academic which I had the pleasure to learn from during my Erasmus at the University of Birmingham in 2003. Che la terra ti sia lieve.

Tommaso Faccio, Lecturer in Accounting
Nottingham University Business School 

Peter had unparalleled breadth of knowledge in economics and in any setting he always exuded endless curiosity, energy, and insight. He was the kindest of people. His legacy will be the economists that he has inspired, who recognise and use our subject as a powerful tool for making the world a better and more decent place. We will miss him so much.

Dr Rebecca McDonald
Economics, University of Birmingham 

It has been a great privilege to have known Peter Sinclair for over five years. Peter was a true gentleman, an inspiring and passionate academic, mentor and colleague. I will always remember receiving a welcoming email from Peter a few weeks prior to my actual arrival at the University of Birmingham, participating in the 2015 RES Easter School organised by Peter at Brasenose College, and our conversations in English and Polish. My condolences to Peter’s family.

Jan Jozwik, D.Phil.
Economics Department, University of Birmingham 

I was so saddened to hear the news of Peter's untimely death courtesy of this horrible virus. It is so difficult to know what to say at times like these. Peter was a wonderful person as well as being a top economist and I shall miss him greatly. He is my idea of what an academic should be: able to talk over dinner knowledgably and enthusiastically about (almost) any subject; able to engage with people of many nationalities through his ability to remember key phrases in many many languages; able to come up with the key challenging questions in seminars that would make you think harder about your work; able to let you know all the literature you should read/should have read already; always willing to listen to your ideas (no matter how badly thought through they were in my case!) and offer his help and thoughts; and, above all, always smiling. His mild and jovial manner could not help but make you feel better.

Unfortunately, I never had the good fortune to be taught by Peter. But I will always remember a conference we had at the Bank on 'How economics is taught in universities' where several speakers all started their talks by saying 'Being taught by Peter was what made me want to be an economist'. My experience of Peter as a colleague at the Bank of England showed me where they were coming from: put simply, he inspires you! I particularly think of the contribution he made to the MMF PhD Conference that I help organise each year. He read the students' papers, listened attentively to their presentations and asked -- in his wonderful jovial way -- all the tough questions that they needed to know the answers to before they went on the job market. The same was true of the poster presentations at the conference; Peter would make sure to chat to everyone and find out what their research was about. I'm sure all of the PhD students that have presented at this conference would agree how fortunate they were to have Peter engaging with them.

My thoughts go out to Peter's nearest and dearest at this time. We all will miss him. 

Prof. Stephen Millard
Bank of England and Durham University Business School

So many messages here have resonated with me. In my case, on the economics front, Peter encouraged my interest in behavioural finance, above all by asking me to present at one of the RES Easter Schools; and this has led to so many unexpected and positive avenues. I'm so glad that a number of others have also mentioned his linguistic ingenuity: he and I would often have a conversation in German; and I loved it when someone he knew was passing by the table where we were chatting, and he'd enthusiastically switch into a greeting in their native language! And the breadth of topics that he was fascinated by knew no bounds - during one conversation last year, he told me about his influential work on the sugar tax (not that he called it influential - he was too modest for that); the next thing, he was asking me about one of my history topics of interest (normally medieval stuff, though on this occasion I think we alighted on some aspect of 20th century communism - which then led to our mutual recollections of the late Professor Norman Stone); etc. - at the end of it, the person at the next table along said to us how he wished we could simply have continued talking.

The one thing I would add to others' comments - it wasn't just that Peter had the time and warmth to engage then and there with the friends and acquaintances he bumped into all the time, picking up seemingly seamlessly where the conversation had previously left off. He also took the time to follow up these encounters. In this respect, my final conversation with him in January this year was typical. After a quick chat one afternoon in the Bank of England's Information Centre, he then initiated an e-mail exchange with me - to say, with the bonhomie that was typical of Peter: "Dear Ben, It was great to see you just now. I’m so glad you have joined the CCBS. It does a terrific job, and your contribution will be such a welcome addition! Very best Peter" A legend. 

Ben Norman
Bank of England

Peter was one of my tutors in Oxford many years ago, and later a colleague at the Bank of England. He was an excellent and engaging teacher, a generous colleague and someone with a genuine and deep enthusiasm for his subject. A lovely man.

Ian Bond
Bank of England (retired) 

Dear Peter, I will always remember your kindness, thoughtfulness and deep insights. Your family are in my thoughts.

Marilyne Tolle, Economist
Bank of England 

So sorry to hear the loss.

James 

The passing of Professor Sinclair is definitely a great loss for his families and the academy of Economics. I was one of his graduate students a few years ago. His classes are always impressive. He also did great work in research. He was one of the referees when I applied for PhD in Finance. Thanks to his guidance and support, I finally became a faculty in university and dedicate to an academic career as he did. His spirits and achievements will inhabit us all. May his soul rest in peace.

Dr. Chen Yuzi
Assistant Professor, School of Finance, Central University of Finance and Economics, China

A very sad day for Economics and all who knew him. Condolences to his family and colleagues. He will be remembered by many.

Prof. Tooraj Jamasb
Copenhagen Business School 

I am deeply sad to learn about the passing of such great person and economist. I met Peter in 2012 at the University of Birmingham where I went for a Easter school. He received the whole group with a warmly, unforgeatabble manner. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this so difficult moment that we are facing.

Diana Lima
Banco de Portugal (central bank of Portugal) 

I was your student under my MBf master during 2007-2008 academic year. You were such a energetic professor with warm heart. It was my great honor to be your student. Mr Professor R.I.P 我是你2007-2008年的学生 很荣幸成为你的学生 你特别善良热心 是一位难能可贵的好教授 你的学生遍布世界各地 教授谢谢你教我 请安息

Yiji Tong
Money Banking & Finance，Economic

The only word I have to describe Peter was "brilliant". His depth and breadth of knowledge in seminars was phenomenal, but he was also one of the sunniest, friendliest and happiest people at the Bank of England. He certainly brightened up my time there.

Rhiannon Sowerbutts
Bank of England 

RIP Peter Sinclair. C19 victim - My economics tutor from the early 1980s. A very kind man, a fine teacher and a master of his subject. A silly memory perhaps, but one that makes me smile. During a Principal's collection, there was a "discussion" on my progress on the study of Engineering Science - a bit of a difficult one. The Principal turned to my progress on Economics. "Peter?" "Ah, Costelloe?. Solid second." And that, thankfully, was that. Another memory. A few years ago, I met him at a dinner and asked (a bit presumptuously) "Peter, what do you think is going to happen to interest rates?". What followed was awesome a tour de force assessment of all the key determinants influencing interest rates, demonstrating how finely poised any decision would be at the current time. To borrow a phrase I once came across, Peter thought in whole paragraphs. 

David Costelloe
Former undergraduate at Brasenose College

I last saw Peter on 4 March. He met me off the train, showed me round the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, introduced the seminar in a very Peter way, and there was dinner at Asha's afterwards. Now he is with us no more, but the memories are more vivid than ever. Teaching money & banking 40+ years earlier, he once recommended a paper in Portuguese. I confessed to having no Portuguese. "Oh don't worry", said Peter, "it's rather like Spanish". Another confession. "Oh but I'm sure you can pick it up it no time." And then there were the postcards to our children when Peter was travelling. Typical beginning: "Greetings from Hanoi!". Once one of these came through our letterbox but was addressed to the daughter of our next-door neighbours. In fact a coincidence, but you did wonder for a moment whether Peter sent them to every child in the land. Thank you, Peter, and may you rest in peace.

John Vickers
Oxford 

I had the pleasure of supporting Peter for many years during my time as Department Manager in Economics. He was always unfailingly polite, most sincere in caring about me and my family and incredibly generous. My thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.

Maureen Hyde, Ex Department Manager
Department of Economics, University of Birmingham 

I had the benefit of interacting with Peter in an amazing group of young economists at Oxford in the early 1970s - Nick Stern, John Kay, Peter Hammond, David Soskice ... Conversations with Peter, whether about economics or other matters, and whether in seminars or over dinner or a drink, were always fun and instructive. His knowledge of the economics literature was already thorough and deep, and his reading and thinking outside of economics was very broad also.

I am not surprised to see so many of his former students praise his teaching so highly. I was very much on the micro side of economics, but Peter always struck me as a sensible macroeconomist - a rare subspecies even in those days. What a loss to the economics profession, to academia, and to humanity.

Avinash Dixit, Professor Emeritus
Department of Economics, Princeton University

Peter has been a dear friend since we first met as graduate students in 1967. As fellow economists, we worked closely together for many years while both at Oxford University. He was, academically, a star of his generation. He was also the most affable, charming and engaging person you could ever hope to meet. His interest were encyclopedic, both within and outside economics, and he had the rare gift of being immediately and genuinely interested in whatever anyone he met wanted to discuss. A great traveller, as godfather to one of our sons, he charmed the young lad with exotic postcards, eventually from almost every country on earth.

I cannot say how much I will miss him; and my wife's thoughts and mine are completely with Jayne at this tragic time. He was someone who genuinely spread warmth and joy wherever he went. 

Sir Derek and Lady Morris
Oriel College, Oxford

Very sorry to hear that Peter is no longer with us. He was a charming and exuberant man, a great scholar, and a thoughtful economist. He will be greatly missed.

Andrew Gurney
HM Treasury 

A wonderful man I barely got to know. His mind was as sharp as his heart was kind. He will be missed. Deep condolences.

Alan M. Taylor, Professor of Economics and Finance
University of California, Davis

I first met Peter in the mid-70s and he remains a luminous figure in my mind, so stimulating, so warm, so concerned with and invested in this students, and so fundamentally decent. A remarkable man, the world is a smaller place without him.

Daniel Raff
The Wharton School and NBER 

'Too bad,' Peter would have said. And that's what his death is to the nation and further afield; to colleagues, friends and family. Hopefully his ethos of trying to make things better will live on long after the virus has gone

Mrs Carol Sherwin
One of Peter's many cousins

Shocked to know about Professor Peter Sinclair. Peter taught us half of the Macroeconomics course for MSc Economics Program in Fall 2008 at The University of Warwick. I found Peter very kind and supportive teacher. His examples/illustrations were useful to learn the subject. Thoughts go with Peter's family and friends.

Dr Amir Jahan Khan
Department of Economics, Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi, Pakistan 

I am so saddened to hear of Peter's passing. He was a great scholar, a true gentleman and a good friend. I got to know him first at Oxford in the 1980s, through what was then the Money Study Group, and I have many fond memories of chatting (debating even) with Peter about monetary economics and macroeconomics over a drink in the Senior Common Room at Brasenose. I also visited Peter a number of times after he moved to Birmingham University. He was always brimming with ideas but at the same time always remarkably charming. I shall miss him.

Mark Taylor
Dean and Professor of Finance, Olin Business School, Washington University in St Louis, USA 

I was deeply saddened to hear of Peter's death. I feel honoured and privileged to have been taught by him in my final undergraduate year. He was a true inspiration, a fantastic teacher, a gentle and kind soul and he had the most incredible mind. His enthusiasm for his subject was infectious and he possessed a rare gift for being able to distill even the most complex of concepts into something that was easy to understand. It always amazed me how he was able to hold a conversation in the native language of just about every student in the class. I want to offer my deepest sympathies to Peter's family and I hope that the incredible tributes that have been left here offer some comfort at this difficult time. Peter will live long in all our memories.

Martyn Wormald
Economics Graduate (2009), University of Birmingham 

A huge thank you to whoever had the idea of giving Peter a regular slot on the Bank of England graduate induction timetable. I'm sure there were many of us who made a mental note that we should try to get to know this man who seemed even more enthusiastic about our new jobs than we were! I feel very privileged indeed to have been given this opportunity. It's really quite amazing that so many of us have learnt so much from a direct, personal relationship with one human being. How was it possible that he managed to give his time so generously and enthusiastically to so many of us? What an inspiration to us all. I cannot begin to imagine what a loss Peter is to his closest friends and family.

Oliver Bush
Bank of England and LSE

This is a very sad story to hear. My memories of Prof.Sinclair is that he was so brilliant, so kind, always smile and teasing, and be patient with his students (though his taught subjects were very difficult to grasp) ... now he’s gone from our sight but not from our hearts .. May his soul rest in peace somewhere in this universe.

Wanida Lee
Money, Banking & Finance, Faculty of Economics, University of Birmingham 

Such a sad news. My very first Economics class at the University of Birmingham was taught by you. You brought life to the class and made Economics fun and interesting. You had so much knowledge in you to offer. Indeed we lost a rare gem. Continue to rest in peace and in the bosom of the Lord. May the good Lord comfort the family and friends you left behind. Amen.

Juliet Izedonmwen
Economics 

Although I knew Peter for a relatively short time compared to many, his influence on the way I conduct my academic career is one that will persist for a long time. I met Peter through the MMF PhD Conferences and interacted with him while we were both at the Bank of England, and his kindness, generosity and willingness to discuss research ideas (no matter how misguided) and economics in general is something I will always be thankful for.

When I was presenting at the MMF PhD conferences his comments were insightful and extremely helpful, and presented in his wonderfully cheerful and kind manner. His example, as an academic and educator is one that I definitely seek to emulate. His passing is a loss to the economics profession in the UK and the rest of the world. My condolences go out to his family and friends. 

Dr Michael Nower
Durham University

Hugely sad loss. A fine economist. Public-spirited - we collaborated for many years on the RES Easter School, of which he was the inspiration and driver. Selfless. Always positive. And an exceptionally nice, decent person.

Richard Portes
London Business School 

I had the privilege of meeting Peter when I was an MPhil student at Brasenose in the early 1990s, where he was my macro supervisor. I had the chance to get to know him further when he asked me to teach for him both at BNC and at Birmingham and took me on as a research assistant on a book project (which involved researching the literature on valuation of environmental goods, as well as some light furniture removal at his house in Headington, as I recall). My own experience of him chimes with everything that has been said about him in other tributes: he was an engaging teacher, an encouraging and supportive mentor and an almost infeasibly nice person all round. An introduction to Balti culture on Ladypool Road comes to mind as just one of many horizon-broadening moments with Peter. He was one of a kind and will be sorely missed.

Matthias Pflanz
BNC (MPhil) 1992-94 

A pause. A smile. And then the question. Often in three parts. A smile. A greeting. Typically in at least three languages. And a sip of wine. Peter's kindness and unbounded positivity remained constant in nearly 30 years of bumping into him. In every interaction I learnt something, as his pedagogy was effortless. Whether at our first meeting in 1991, where he explained how the now forgotten Hard ECU scheme might actually work. Or whether as we did in 2017 - hunting around the City for a book-binder, some forex and a hearty breakfast (all before 9am) - he talked me through his views on monetary policy normals. He helped you understand. It is fitting perhaps that one of his great triumphs when he was at the Bank of England directing the Centre for Central Banking Studies that he pulled off a stunning conference in the wonderful Great Hall at Barts where central bankers from around the world marvelled both at his erudition and the location. In many ways the role at the Bank could have been made for him, so well did he fit and so well was he liked. Peter was certainly someone for whom economics was a way to do good. As it would also mean that we could then appreciate what the world might offer. Well Peter we should have told you how much we appreciated you.

Jagjit S. Chadha
NIESR 

I was working relatively late one evening and I assumed that I must be the only person left in the the office. Then Peter came over and said hello. We had never met before, but he was just taking an interest in what I could be working on at that time and checking that I was ok. I was fine and the work happened to be really not interesting at all, but we had a really nice conversation. I remember being thankful for people like that. I would only ever have met him a few times since, but he always lived up to that first impression, with a nod or a smile. He seemed like just a really warm person and I was so sorry to hear this news. Sending condolances to his family.

Luc Tucker
Bank of England 

I had the pleasure of supporting Peter for many years during my time as Department Manager in Economics. He was always unfailingly polite, most sincere in caring about me and my family and incredibly generous. My thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.

Maureen Hyde, Ex Department Manager
Department of Economics, University of Birmingham 

Goodbye Peter It has been a pleasure working with you over the two or three decades You have been great company, always a gentleman. You have contributed so much to the success of Economics in Birmingham. My thoughts go back to you and our other sadly missed colleague Max Fry - the Bank of England boys. Thank You John Samuels. 

Emeritus Professor John Samuels
Department of Accounting University of Birmingham

It is a very shock news for me when I heard Peter passed away. Still remember the time with Peter in his course ten years after my graduation. He is such a smart, generous and kind professor. It is a great loss for everyone. He will be very much missed. Rest in Peace.

Winnie Chen
Alumni, Department of Economics, University of Birmingham

I was so sad to hear of Peter's death. I don't think I have ever known anyone who was so universally and deservedly liked - and also so clever and, often, funny. He could even write Latin verse. I've only seen him occasionally in the years since I left Oxford, but whenever I did, it was such a pleasure and he was always so much the same Peter. My deepest condolences to his wife and family. 

Professor Alison Wolf
King's College London

As a former alumnus of the BSc Economics (Class of 2014) programme at the University of Birmingham, I am extremely privileged to have had Peter Sinclair as a lecturer in my final year for the Topics in Economic Theory A module. Little did I know at the time how many students he had inspired (myself included) to push themselves to their limits through his exceptional teaching style. It is of no surprise that he has inspired many academics and professionals who have gone on to excel in their respective fields.

As many have already mentioned, I can vividly remember being greeted by Peter as I entered each and every one of his lectures (without failure) and was taken back by his ability to connect with many different students in their native languages. Not to forget him telling everyone to collect a handout at the beginning of the lecture. He was an eloquent speaker - each lecture/seminar was delivered like a story. As someone has already mentioned, he was one in a million and I couldn’t agree anymore. If we all took a leaf out of his book, the world would be a better place. Rest in peace, Professor. 

Dipen Bardolia - Former Alumnus and Aspiring Solicitor
University of Birmingham

I was shocked by this news. I gained my Master's degree in the University of Birmingham a decade ago and had the chance to attend Prof Sinclair's class. He was such a nice gentleman with great insights and knowledge. Just so hard to express my feeling by words. May care and love of those around provide comfort and peace to get his family/university/community, actually everyone, through the days ahead. My most sincere condolences. 

Minrui Fu

It is indeed a deep shock to hear this. Peter was to me, as to so many other economists, a source of cool intelligence at conferences, with a strong and wide grasp of theory, and a sharp sense of empirical relevance. I always learnt a lot from his interventions; I remember in particular the summer macro conferences at St. Andrew's where he was a regular attender.

But of course he was far more than an excellent economist. He was a wonderful person, great to have as a friend; he dispensed charm and courtesy and was always the kindest of people in discussion. In today's harsh and disputatious world he stood out as a beacon of civilised discourse. I will miss him greatly, in common with many others, as this register shows. Patrick Minford. 

Patrick Minford , Professor of applied economics
Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University

Rest in peace Professor Peter. May Allah grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this loss.

Mehdi Hassan an alumnus of UoB
IDD 

What a sad news to hear this!!!! The best professor we ever had !!! Peter Rest in Peace!!! 

Elder Nunes
Economics

I can’t find the words to say how sorry I am. We will miss you Peter. Thank you for everything.

Yiannis Karavias
Economics 

Peter Sinclair, it is so sad to loose such a kind and talented professor. Peter had a caring and kind nature and was happy to share his knowledge generously with all those around him. I came to know Peter very well over the last few years at Birmingham and I always attended his annual seminar, filled with facts and usually presented with minimal aids. He was an eloquent orator who could command a room by varying the tone of his voice and hence a real pleasure to listen to. I will always remember Peter at our Annual Maxwell Fry Global Finance lecture, which he opened with a warm welcome for our speaker, usually in Latin. My thoughts are with Peter’s family at this time and I send my deepest condolences.

Jane M. Binner Chair of Finance
Department of Finance, University of Birmingham 

People always remember great teachers. Those moments of enlightenment stay forever. The great teachers have wisdom, and also the wit to convey that wisdom.

Peter was one of those: wise, kind, empathetic, and an amazing communicator. Peter and just missed each other as regular colleagues in Oxford (he left for Birmingham around the time that I arrived) but we saw each other every summer when we taught on an executive education programme. It was on that programme that I really learned how to teach, and Peter was a key mentor. There are tricks of the trade that I use every week in my business school teaching; and I stole those tricks from Peter. The ability to cold call without frightening students? (Or at least not frightening them too much.) That's from Peter. The ability to give a humorous and accommodating response to a wrong answer? That's from Peter. The use of changing volume and pace? From Peter. Making eye contract with everyone in the room? From him too. For a few years in a row, I watched and I learned. (I never learned as well as Peter how to draw maps from scratch, or how to greet every class member in his or her own language; I will try in the future!). There are so many techniques that I noted down; and I use them to this day. I am now a mentor for new business school teaching; I only wish I had managed to tell Peter how much he had influenced what I do. His influence will live on for some time yet. Peter, thank you. 

David P Myatt
Professor of Economics, London Business School

I first met Peter when he was at Brasenose (introduced by Tony Corakis ). I was subsequently a colleague at Birmingham. He was a very good friend and an incredibly nice person. My wife and I will always remember his and Shelaugh's help and sympathy during the long illness of our son (he died of cancer aged 22 after a whole leg amutation aged 15 ). Peter will be sadly missed and I want to share my thoughts and condolences with everyone who remembers him especially his family.

Professor David Gowland

It is unbelievable to me that Peter is on the other side of life, away from theories, models and economics. I knew him as an erudite, a great speaker, in-depth scientist, who embarrassed others with knowledge. But this is less important compared to how good, gentle, modest and open man he was and with what passion he lived. Remembering Peter I do hope and believe that one day I will hear him again speaking to me in Polish: "Dzień dobry!" [Good morning!]. With perfect pronunciation and seeing a great smile on his face! Peter, thank you very much, indeed! Requiescat in pace!

Tomasz Łyziak
National Bank of Poland and Polish Academy of Sciences 

I first met Peter when I was a PhD student, at the time I remember being struck by his insightful questions and comments on my and other students’ work, he really cared and made you feel that your work was important and mattered. We remained in touch over the years and met often in conferences and workshops.

Peter was a man of deep knowledge and wisdom, not just about economics but also about many other disciplines and topics. I learnt so many things by attending his seminars, talking to him, from his sincerity, his generosity of spirit and his kindness. Every encounter with Peter was an uplifting experience and learning something new. He was also a person of extraordinary warmth. I am deeply saddened by the loss of someone as unique as Peter. It was a privilege to have known him. 

Ozge Senay
University of St Andrews

It was early March when I met Peter for the very last time. We were both leaving our offices and we walked together towards the exit of the School. We discussed briefly teaching arrangements for the coming year and exchanged some ideas on a short presentation regarding our module. After walking for a few minutes we arrived at the traffic light. “All the best”, he said and he waved goodbye with a big smile on his face. I didn’t see Peter again.

Peter was charismatic in so many ways. His contributions to the academic community will be certainly missed. Always in good spirit and with a big smile on his face he was always happy to chat, to advise, to pose questions, to teach, to assist. Peter was a wonderful colleague, dynamic and inspiring. My deepest condolences to his family. He will be greatly missed. 

Dr Panagiotis Fouskas
University of Birmingham

Peter was a lovely person who was always conscientious and extremely generous in supporting the work of colleagues. I had the pleasure of working with him at both the Treasury and the Bank, he will be greatly missed.

Robert Woods, Director
HM Treasury

Peter Sinclair taught me macroeconomics (thouh to be clear he bears no responsibility for what would follow). I took other macro courses of course, but Peter really taught me macro. It was three decades ago in graduate seminars on dark Tuesday evenings in Brasenose. Peter would smoke his cafe cremes, while he made Ramsey and Euler equations relevant to real world problems in everything from energy markets to retirement savings. HIs enthusiasm for the subject matter was infectious and when we would ask questions, the answers would reveal a depth of knowledge about the specific topic and hint that it occupied a tiny corner of is bredth of learning. We stayed in touch over the years, seeing each on the occasions when he would visit Canada, and then we I was back in the UK. He served as a senior advisor to the Bank, and each time we would meet he would re-kindle the same feelings as those epiphanies in Brasenose: the desire to learn and to apply that knowledge for the public good. It was one of my greatest good fortunes to have been his student, mentee and colleague. I will miss him but never cease to be inspired by him.

Mark Carney

A kind and loyal friend

Deborah Ceadel

My wife, Diana, and I were shocked and saddened to learn that Peter had died from Covid-19. The last contact I had with Peter was the arrival of his annual Christmas card last December. Peter was one of the kindest, generous, and most cheerful individuals that I have ever known. Our most sincere condolences go out to Jayne and to Peter’s extended family. I first got to know Peter and his late first wife Shelagh in the early 80s. I was on the faculty at UBC and they came to visit for a year. In addition to being academic colleagues, we socialized together, becoming good friends. It was always a pleasure to get together. Diana and I once stayed at Brasenose as his guest and, later, at Peter and Shelagh’s home in the Barbican. Peter was kind enough to be a personalized walking tour guide on multiple occasions, both in Oxford and in London. He knew more about what he took us to see than most professional guides. As someone who works in social choice theory, a real treat was being shown the tiny church where Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll), a pioneer in the field, once held services on the outskirts of Oxford. I have always been amazed at the breadth of Peter’s knowledge. I don’t get to the UK very often and Peter traveled a lot, so we haven’t seen each other much in the past few years. But, Peter always did his best to rearrange his schedule so that we could get together when I did make it to London. Our last in-person meeting was in the summer of 2018. He took me to a little Italian restaurant near Farrington Station. He knew the owner and staff and, needless to say, spoke Italian to them. We had a wonderful evening, just the two of us. Diana and I were so pleased when we heard that Peter had married Jayne. We have never had the good fortune to meet her in person, but everything Peter has told me about Jayne convinced me that he had found a wonderful person to share the rest of his life with. It is such a shame that their time together was so short.

John Weymark, Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Chair in Social and Natural Sciences and Professor of Economics
Vanderbilt University

I met Peter several times. Most recently I had the opportunity to speak to him at the 2017 MMF conference at King's College where he attended the session in which I was presenting and he made very constructive comments on all three papers presented in that session. I still remember the first time when I met him at the ESRC-RES Easter School on Econometrics at the University of Birmingham in 1996 when I was doing my PhD at Warwick. During my first interaction, I found him very keen in listening to what research I was doing as part of my PhD and also he gave me very helpful advice. I always enjoyed listening to him and found him quite engaging all the time - a great scholar indeed. His passing away is a great loss for our community of researchers. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. Rest in peace, Peter.

Professor Sushanta Mallick
School of Business and Management
Queen Mary University of London

Peter's lectures were the best I had attended during my time at University - his enthusiasm made his lectures incredible and I learnt so much. My thoughts go out to all of Peter's family and friends.

Kieran Fitzgerald
BSc Economics with Spanish

Professor Peter Sinclair was a wonderful teacher, mentor, and scholar who helped me and many others in developing our interests, and careers, in economics. I will be forever grateful for the mentorship and encouragement that Professor Sinclair was always ready to provide, and always with a smile. Warmest and deepest sympathies to family members. And thank you, professor, for all that you have done for your students and all that you have contributed to the world of economics.

Liza S Vertinsky, Associate Professor
Emory Law School

Peter was a great lecturer, engaging and inspiring to us all in class of 2005. I vividly remmebr his tales of many countries he had visited and his one liners from different languages. My heart felt condolences to all of his family and friends. A true loss to the university and city.

Fatimat Animasaun
University of Birmingham alumni

I met Peter only briefly, during the seminar and job interview that led to my recruitment at Birmingham. His warmth and kindness towards me stood out immediately. He was one of the people who have the rare gift to make you feel immediately accepted and welcome. This is no small feat - feeling accepted in who we are is a fundamental struggle in so many people's lives. I didn't need to know him long to see that he made the world a kinder place. I was looking forward to forward with him, and am incredibly sad to hear of his passing. My condolences go to both his family and the department.

Anett John, Assistant Professor of Economics
CREST Paris

Despite Peter teaching me in the last term of lectures of the final year of my degree, he made me see a different side to economics and to lecturing entirely in just 8 weeks. Every lecture was filled with passion and inspiration, and Peter was certainly the wisest person I’ve ever met. My thoughts are with his family at this very sad time. Rest In Peace.

Rachel Wilson
University of Birmingham 

Peter was a very clever man, and an unusually gifted and well-rounded economist. But I will remember him above all for his warmth and generosity of spirit, his friendliness, and his fundamental decency and kindness.

Professor Tim Congdon CBE
Chairman - Institute of International Monetary Research at the University of Buckingham

I wanted to write to express my huge sadness at hearing of Peter's death. I was a PPE undergraduate at Brasenose from 1990-1993, and it was my huge privilege to have been taught by Peter for those three years. I went to Brasenose without knowing any economics and Peter (alongside Tony Courakis) truly inspired me. I would not have gone on to be a proefssional economist if it was not for Peter. His tutorials were full of his infectious enthusiasm, kindness and his boundless energy. It is very rare - perhaps impossible - to find the sort of commitment to his students that Peter showed. I have met Peter periodically over the years since I was at Brasenose and it was always such a pleasure and postive encounter. He was a truly remarkable man.

Professor Hamish Low
Department of Economics and Nuffield College, University of Oxford 

I was shocked and upset at the sad news of Peter and have to say I felt pretty emotional. Some time ago, I saw Peter in Moorgate and as always we had a hug and he was smiling and interested in what I was doing and my wellbeing – he made me feel special! I will always remember how jolly he was, his infectious smile and that chuckle when he laughed. He spoke to everyone with the same interest. A clever, fun, modest man that I had the privilege to work with as his secretary at the CCBS. I can still see that overwhelming enthusiasm and energy he gave to his lecturing and in fact anything he did – gosh he was so animated. He spoke many languages and on occasion would speak to a participant at the CCBS in Spanish and in actual fact they were from a completely different country….. made us laugh and he would chuckle when he realised. I was very fond of Peter and he will be sadly missed.

Christine Chaplin, secretary
Bank of England 

My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Peter’s wife and their family. I knew Peter from my time at Cass Business School, London. Peter was one of the most compassionate of souls; considerate and the epitome of a gentleman. My abiding memory of Peter will be of him smiling. I don’t think I ever saw him cross or impatient or discourteous. Always generous with his time to encourage and nurture others. It is a tragedy to lose him due to the Coronavirus. The world is a much lesser place now that it is without Peter.

Debra Durston
Retired, Cass Business School 

Our deepest condolences from the staff in the Accounting Department.

Dr Ann-Christine Frandsen Head of Accounting Department
Accounting Department, Birmingham Business School 

I am sincerely sorry to hear about the loss of Professor Peter Sinclair. May his soul rest in peace and may God bless and comfort his family during this difficult period. Please accept my deepest and heartfelt condolences.

Dr Jing Du
Department of Finance, University of Birmingham 

Peter was an exceptional person as evidenced by so many tributes. He and (for many years) Shelagh were a central part of our lives, regularly finding time to phone for a chat and spending every important celebration with us. He was always caring, enthusiastic, interested, appreciative and fun. Like many others we have a wonderful collection of postcards from all over the world, followed often by interesting souvenirs from his travels! He shared with us his joy in life and the interest he found in so many things. He was loving, brave and selfless; totally irreplaceable. A terrible loss to his brother Mike and our children and grandchildren, my husband Richard and me and to Jayne and her family.

Adele and Richard Phillips

I am terribly sorry to hear that Peter has died. I read PPE from 1973 to 1976 and Peter gave the first year microeconomics lectures. He was an outstanding lecturer and his lectures were amusing as well as instructive. I still remember them. I also remember him coming to lunch at the bank at which I subsequently worked, and engaging in an animated conversation with the waiter - in Hungarian. Apart from being brilliant, he was a kind, thoughtful and delightful man.

Rosalind Hedley-Miller
PPE undergraduate, St Hugh's College, Oxford 1973-1976 

Tim Harford's comment was spot on: "I bumped into him on the street a couple of years ago. He was smiling, bobbing around, waving enthusiastically, behaving as though there was nobody in the world he’d rather see". Peter was the sort of person you bumped into on the street. He is - in fact - the only colleague I have bumped into on the street, and where else but outside the Houses of Parliament.

I was perhaps most struck by his generosity of spirit at the funeral of Shelagh, whom I had never met. Nevertheless, Peter enthused that she would have been delighted that I - a fellow Canadian - had come, welcoming me in his time of grief. Over the years and continents, my mention of Birmingham often led to Peter's name in reply. That he worked at the Centre for Central Bank Studies seemed perfectly descriptive of his dense and wide-flung network. It is thus poignant that this coronavirus has reached him precisely through his uncynical, uncalculating love for his fellows. I am saddened and lessened that Peter was pulled from our herd as it passes over. 

Colin Rowat
Department of Economics, University of Birmingham

That is very sad news indeed. Professor Sinclair was such a wonderful tutor when I was reading PPE in 1991-94. He was so infectiously enthusiastic about economics (and everything else), his wonderful tutorials and lectures are still a really vivid memory. He was obviously a brilliant economist but he was an incredible teacher, and a lovely man. I was thinking about the lectures he gave to the First year economists at St Cross and then the Finals' revisions sessions for the tutorial group at Brasenose -so generous with his time, and just the best teaching I had the very good fortune to experience. Learning was never dull. Thinking of his family and many friends at BNC and everywhere else at this sad time, he will be sorely missed.

Jamed Dawson (PPE 91-94) 

I am so very sorry to hear of Peter’s death. He was a much liked and much admired colleague in Oxford for 24 years and was hugely valued and respected by many generations of BNC undergraduates. He was a natural teacher. I especially appreciated his adventures in humour. We were once on a panel together in front of an audience of Japanese academics and businessmen. Peter tried a risqué joke about Japanese accents. They sat in stony silence while Peter’s broad shoulders heaved. “Should we make a bolt for it now?” he whispered. But he stuck it out, blinded them with extra hard equations and got a rousing hand at the end. It’s very sad that he hadn’t had a longer retirement. He had much left to give. My sympathies to his family and to colleagues who knew him in recent years at Birmingham.

Prof David Hine
Emeritus Student (Fellow) of Christ Church Oxford, and Dept of Politics 

I will always remember the first time we met - we had this conference at the University of West England (I was a still a rookie PhD Student) , and you were one of the keynotes. I was impressed when you expressed your views on the excess use of DSGE models in central banks, and asked that all central bankers to go back to school. That was truly amazing. I came out so much learnt from this seminar. You have left a great intellectual legacy among us.

Dooruj Rambaccussing
School of Business, University of Dundee 

Professor Sinclair came at the end of my time at Birmingham and I don't think he ever taught me (randomly because of final year choice of courses) he was always very friendly and approachable to students. For example he would speak to students in the lifts and this care and social connection is very important to be successful in your studies and also for student welfare and mental health. A lot of academics and employers could learn from this. I hope his work will contribute to the response to COVID-19 and the economic recovery from it. My condolences are with his family, friends and anyone who he touched in his valuable life.

Richard Cooksey
B.SOC.SC. (HONOURS) ECONOMICS AND POLITICS 1995 

Dear Peter – endlessly warm and welcoming, extraordinarily knowledgeable, kind and forgiving; I miss you.

Andrew Chesher
University College London 

Sad news, of deaths, worldwide. And those suffering coronavirus.

Mr neil robert brown 

A great man, outstanding teacher! Will miss you forever. R.I.P Peter.

Dazuo Yang
Department of Economics, University of Birmingham