Geoffrey joined Harper Adams in 1981 as a lecturer in electronics and agricultural engineering. He became a course manager eight years later, taking on responsibility for further courses until he was promoted to principal engineering lecturer in February 2000.

He retired in July 2004 after a 23 years teaching at the Shropshire university college.

Jim Loynes, head of the Engineering Department, said: “Geoff's determination to get the best out of students and to do the best for them and their future careers was always at the forefront of his approach to teaching."

After his retirement, Geoff continued to take a keen interest in the agricultural engineering sector and contributed trenchant and 'no-holds barred' articles to Landwards, the house journal of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE).

Landwards editor, Chris Biddle said "Geoff's articles were always delivered on time, were thought-provoking and highly entertaining.  His final piece was written from his hospice-bed with the help of his family and was included in the Winter issue of Landwards which went to press the day he passed away. Yet it was a well-written as ever and very liitle in it suggested his rapidly-failing health. A remarkable man."

Geoffrey Wakeham's funeral takes place at 11.30 am on 12 December at St Peter's Church, Edgmond TW10 8JW. Family flowers only, donations to Severn Hospice or Macmillan Cancer. Further enquiries to Newport Funeral Service 01952 820667