Dr John Padley, 65, who worked as registrar and secretary at Sheffield University for 16 years, died on 22nd April.

His vision' and 'drive' are said to have inspired professors and students alike at the university.

A colleague and friend of John's remembers him as 'dazzling creative man' with an infective personality, which rubbed off on everyone who met him.

"He was an exceptional person who inspired people from all walks of life and he was incredibly proud of his working class roots," said Dr Roger Allum, who worked closely with John as director of public relations from 1976 to 2006.

Born in Worksop, John grew up in Carlton with his parents Reginald and Lily, and sisters, Sandra and Maggie.

He went to school at the former Retford Grammar School and graduated from Durham University with a first-class degree in chemistry, where he met his wife Meg.

His working life saw him in a variety of impressive roles, including two years as a co-ordinator in the European Union in Brussels.

From 1970 to 1972, he wrote speeches for Margaret Thatcher when he was on secondment from Leeds University at the Department of Education and Science.

He then spent six years working as academic secretary at Liverpool University before he took on his role as the most senior administrator at Sheffield University.

During his time at the university, he played a major role in raising the university's profile at home and overseas, as well as facilitating major refurbishments of university buildings.

Dr David Fletcher, current registrar and secretary at Sheffield University, said: "John was a person of vision, drive and enthusiasm as well as a colourful character and strong personality."

"He contributed in a major way to the development of the University of Sheffield and we are saddened at his passing."

John's nephew, Ian Franklin, works as a work-related learning co-ordinator at Worksop's Valley School and remembers his uncle as a 'truly remarkable man'.

"He was a really great guy who held parties where you would always meet someone different and interesting," he said.

"Though he was very dedicated to his job, he also had a lot of time for his family and friends."

John's funeral was held last week in Ombersley, Worcestershire, where John and his wife spent eight years of their retirement.

He also leaves behind two daughters, Bridget and Phillippa, and three grand-children.