Compassion in Dying expresses condolences and sadness at the death of Nick Moore
In the early hours of Wednesday 28th January, Professor Nick Moore, outgoing Chair of Compassion in Dying and for many years Chair of Dignity in Dying, died aged 65. Nick died following a short illness, and his unexpected passing is a huge loss to those that were fortunate enough to know him.
Nick was an academic and a consultant with over thirty years’ experience, specialising in information strategy and policy; workforce planning; the management of higher and further education; and international development. His career encompassed the British Library, several universities, the Policy Studies Institute, the British Council and research and consultancy assignments for UNESCO, UNDP and the European Commission among others.
Beyond his professional career, Nick served as Chair of first Dignity in Dying, then its sister charity Compassion in Dying, and was also Chair of the board of Somerset Colleges. He was also an avid traveller undertaking an expedition to Antarctica in 2008. But this summary of Nick’s professional and voluntary achievements doesn’t come close to encapsulating him as a person.
Nick was an exceptionally kind man, adored by those who knew him. He treated everyone equally, from the most distinguished politician to the newest member of staff. Never short of flowers when he came into the office – given to the nearest member of staff regardless of their floristry skills. Never short of an anecdote or a joke to lighten the mood or to enliven a long meeting. And never short in his generosity of time and spirit.
In his last email to colleagues, he provided the following summary of his time with Compassion in Dying and Dignity in Dying, and in doing so displayed his typical modesty:
The work on Compassion in Dying, providing a range of services for people at the end of their lives, has been very rewarding. Again the actual work is done by a team of young people who are cheerful, hard-working and who seem to be tireless. I don’t really get my hands dirty – I just take credit for their achievements…
Nick was motivated to help Dignity in Dying’s campaign and subsequently the work of Compassion in Dying having witnessed the protracted and torturous death of his mother. There is some small comfort that he avoided a similar fate, however this is far outweighed by a life brought to an end far too soon.
Nick is survived by his partner Elaine.