Ken Strongman

Kenneth Thomas Strongman (2 December 1940 – 29 December 2019) was a New Zealand psychologist and academic, and was a professor of psychology at the University of Canterbury, specialising in the field of emotion. He was also a short-story writer, book and television reviewer, and newspaper columnist.

Early life and family Born on 2 December 1940 in Ware, Hertfordshire, England, Strongman was the son of Grace Mary Strongman (née Dew) and Alfred Thomas Strongman. He grew up in a terrace house in Highbury, North London, Strongman then studied at University College London, from where he graduated Bachelor of Science in 1962, and PhD in 1964.

In 1964, Strongman married Thelma Madeline Francis, and they went on to have two children, The couple later divorced, and Strongman remarried. Following his retirement in 2010, Strongman was conferred with the title of professor emeritus. Notable students of Strongman include Tracy Berno.

Strongman was regarded as an international expert on emotion, and his research covered both theoretical and empirical aspects of the subject.

Other activities Strongman was a long-time television and film reviewer for The Press newspaper in Christchurch, from the 1980s until a few months before his death. In 2013, he began writing a fortnightly column on retirement and ageing for The Press, titled Over the Hill. He also wrote several short stories.

Death Strongman died at his home in Christchurch on 29 December 2019.