Nick Martin (1966 – 2023)

It is with great sadness that the college learned of the death of Accommodation Services Manager Nick Martin on Thursday 27 April. He died surrounded by his family at Sobell House Hospice in Oxford after a four-year fight with cancer.

See personal tributes from some of those who knew and worked with Nick below.

Nick joined Green Templeton College in January 2009 and was greatly loved by successive generations of students, colleagues and others whom he met. He placed and supported thousands of students in college accommodation, chaired the inter-collegiate group of Accommodation Managers and served as staff representative on a number of occasions.

Nick’s funeral will take place on Friday 19 May at 16:00 at South Oxfordshire Memorial Park and Crematorium, Garford, Abingdon, OX13 5PA. All are welcome at the funeral, however the wake will be for family and close friends only.

The college will host a celebration of Nick’s life, ‘Nick Martin’s farewell party’, on the main site in due course. Please contact domestic.bursar@gtc.ox.ac.uk if you wish to receive details of this or have any questions.

A book of condolences is available in the Lodge and contributions to the family at this difficult time are gratefully received. Contributions to the family should be made using this GoFundMe page.

Tributes

Teresa Strike, Domestic Bursar

‘Nick – I am so sorry that you lost your battle, as you fought so hard over the last four years. You were a true inspiration to so many with your positivity, humour and professionalism.

‘You were the font of all knowledge when it came to student accommodation, you gave so much of your time to students to ensure they felt at home and would go out of your way to support them and your colleagues. Nick, you were just the nicest and kindest person and you are already missed by me and your colleagues in our Team.

‘You are truly missed.’

Emirose Cottington, Assistant Accommodation Manager

‘I will always be grateful to Nick for the time he took to show me the ropes when I was just starting in my role. Looking back, I am amazed at how he was able to do so even as he was preparing to have his first round of cancer treatment.

‘It’s a testament to how very generous he was as a person – generous with his time and knowledge in trying to help others in any way he could. He was always willing to go out of his way to support students and as a result many of our alumni still email him directly when they are visiting Oxford as he had obviously made a massive impact on them during their time at GTC. Nick was also very much loved and well-respected by colleagues and fellows, well-known as someone who was always happy to help and had a cheerful word for everyone. He will truly be missed in the GTC Community.

‘And yet it was always clear that to Nick his most important role was as a husband and father. His family were always at the forefront of everything that he did and he would often talk about plans he was making for holidays, meals and days out even he was already very ill. I know that he will be very much missed and my thoughts go to Penny, William and Annie at this very difficult time.’

Professor Denise Lievesley, Honorary Fellow and Principal (2015 – 2020)

‘I am grateful to have known Nick, and am so very sad that his life has been cruelly cut short. Nick was a great colleague, someone I came to value more and more as I saw how he went out of his way to help our students not only with accommodation issues, but also with a wide range of other questions relating to their lives in Oxford.

‘He was a great example to us all, with his devotion to his family and friends, never letting the downs of life dampen his spirits, even when he was given bad news about his health. He was always cheerful, relishing the funny side of situations: so many things sparked this sense of humour. I will always remember Nick’s infectious laugh and ability to connect with everyone.

‘My thoughts are with Penny and his children and with GTC colleagues who I know miss him badly.’

Hannah Sale, Catering Supervisor

‘My dear friend Nick, we’ve worked as colleagues for many years and the memory that stands out to me was how kind you were. You ALWAYS said hello to everyone and asked how they were, no matter who they were, which is an incredible attribute. You also had a cheeky side to you which was a fantastic laugh!

‘I will miss your warm soul, but I can truly say it was an absolute pleasure having you as a friend for so long. Thank you for everything. Sleep peacefully Nick.❤️’

‘Love Hannah’

Rebecca Wilson, Admissions Administrator

‘Nick, you were one of the first people I met at Green Templeton and I’ll always remember your warmth, positivity and big smile. You were unfailingly patient and kind over the years we liaised about new students, and you managed their anxieties so well about moving to their new homes. You did so much for the college and it’s hard to believe you’ve gone, I will really miss you and your cheeky sense of humour.’