Dr Ruth Campbell, who taught at the Law School from 1965 to 1990, was farewelled by family and friends, including colleagues from Melbourne Law School at a remembrance service at University House on 30 January.
Dr Campbell pioneered the teaching of Australian Legal History in the Law School in 1971. She wrote the first history of the Law School covering the period 1857 to 1973 which was published in 1977. She also wrote a history of the law firm Mallesons Stephen Jaques (now King & Wood Mallesons) for which she was awarded a Doctor of Letters. In the 1990s she interviewed many prominent Melbourne lawyers as part of the Law in Australian Society Oral History Project. Dr Ruth Campbell was a wonderful teacher and supportive colleague.
At the remembrance service, a letter from former student Kerry Greenwood was read out. Ms Greenwood is the author of many books including the Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries. Ms Greenwood dedicated one of the Miss Fisher books to Dr Campbell, noting that she had taught the author the importance of original research. Dr Campbell's family spoke of a loving mother, always optimistic in the face of adversity and reminded those present of Ruth's signature farewell "Happy days".
Image: Dr Ruth Campbell at the University in 1988