A LAW professor who has presented papers across the world has died.

The family of Peter John Rowe, from Old Hutton, is hoping to raise vital funds for the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund in their loved one's memory.

Professor Rowe worked at the University of Liverpool as the Head of Department for the Faculty of Law from 1988-93.

He joined Lancaster University as Professor of Law in 1995 and he was immediately appointed head of department.

He served a second term immediately afterwards before stepping down in 2001.

In 2003, Professor Rowe again took up the headship, serving until 2005 and remaining an important source of support and guidance to those who succeeded him as head of school.

Professor Rowe quickly developed a reputation for being the leading scholar in military law and the law of armed conflict.

He wrote and edited books, remained an active researcher throughout his life and presented papers across the world, including in Germany, Holland, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Australia, the USA, Trinidad & Tobago, and the Cayman Islands.

He had always believed in the importance of connecting academia with the ‘real world’ and was called to give evidence to the House of Commons Defence Select Committee, the House of Lords Constitution Committee, and he also provided written evidence to the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee.

He also presented to the European Parliament sub-committee on Security and Defence. He regularly spoke at events that included senior military officers and spoke at the National Defence Academy of the UK, the Vienna Course on International Law for Military Advisors, and numerous NATO events.

Outside of academia, Professor Rowe sat as a Judge of the Tribunals for more than 20 years. He considered this important work, and it allowed him to demonstrate his experience and knowledge of the law in a practical context.

He flew planes, sailed boats, drove Morgans, walked fells and more recently coastal paths.

A tribute written by daughter Katherine read: "Most of all, he was the life long soul mate and best friend to our Mum, Anne. He was mine and Tim's incredible Dad. He was the most amazing Grandpa to Zac and Max. He was big brother to Robert and Nick and he was good friends to the hundreds of people warming our hearts with their condolences and offers of help and support."

Professor Rowe funeral took place at Beetham Hall, Beetham followed by a gathering in celebration of his life at Forrest Hills, Lancaster.

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