I had the privilege to call Mel my friend and comrade- a wonderful woman on so many levels and in so many ways. I also had the honour of reading a tribute to her from her colleagues today at her funeral- 11am, 5th November 2020. I share it here. Dr Mel Watts- my amazing colleague and friend, an inspirational thinker, a fellow lover of strawberry woo woos, good beer, animals and fair restaurant tipping…. a deep deep friend. Mel was a political advocate, practitioner and educator of social justice and equality- someone who actively made social justice and equality happen in her everyday working life and who continues to do so through her graduates and colleagues who have been touched by her. She was a profound political philosopher and one of the most powerful educators I/we have had the privilege to know, learn from and grow with. Paulo Freire, a philosopher much admired by Mel once said: “it is impossible to teach without the courage of love…Love will always move us away from domination in all its forms. Love will always challenge and change us. This is the heart of the matter” –that was also at the heart of Mel’s teaching and who she was. Another one of her inspirations, Karl Marx, and one of her favourite citations: ‘Philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways; the point is to change it’. Mel changed the world around her, by carrying this belief through all she did and in her imparting of knowledge, the incredible insights she held and developed- she had a scary intellectual capacity and a committed belief in the profound changes an empowering education could achieve. There was always care in what she taught, and a selfless approach in the nurturing and encouraging of her students. She was a transformational teacher, academic, colleague and friend. This was reflected by countless students who every year told her colleagues so many stories of how she had touched their lives, bringing them inspiration and joy- to this day I don’t believe any other academic from Plymouth University has received so many annual Uni awards for ‘thee most inspirational educator’!!- And yes, Mel- we are all still very jealous!! When the news broke of Mel’s passing, some of her former students were very quick to respond and set up a tribute site-and I would like to share just a few of their messages: "Mel was an inspirational mentor and co-worker. She had a wonderful way of making people feel valued and included." "When I started university, I felt completely lost in what direction I wanted to go, you helped guide me Mel, helped me find my voice. You supported me through some very difficult periods and never judged. I often think of you in my line of work, your passion rubbed off on many of us." "What an incredible woman Mel was! Such a true inspiration as an educator and lady - I only hope I can be as understanding as she was whilst imparting knowledge. I can’t thank her enough for always encouraging me to accept who I am. " Alongside her impact professionally, she was a wonderful mother to Sabrina and step Mum to Emily and James all of whom she was immensely proud of and loved very much. A loving daughter to her parents Bill and Luvienne, a caring sister to her siblings- Nick and Victoria and she found her soul mate and perfect fit with her life partner and best friend Mark. Her friends, remember Mel one day saying, ‘I’ve met this really nice man at the swimming pool …he’s a bit gorgeous and he seems a good Dad, too. He makes me laugh.’ Mel would arrive at work regularly with the latest food offerings from Mark (his roast chicken dinners, cake, not to mention his sausage rolls, became legendary), with a spring in her step and her warmth and humour abounding as her trust in and love for this man grew. She spoke about the Mark who had a passion and political conviction which reflected the very important values and beliefs that Mel shared. Mel found her home in and with Mark, he gave her much strength, so much love and solace, especially in these last difficult years. He worked very hard to keep her safe and loved at home, until the very end. An amazing husband, her perfect fit, Mark- Mel loved you so much. Dr Mel Watts, wife, mother, daughter, sister, teacher, friend, philosopher, we’re going to miss you so much, your humour, insight and mischievousness. But Mel, your voice and its impact, through those you’ve touched, will live on. How Did They Live? Not, how did they die, but how did they live? Not, what did they gain, but what did they give? These are the units to measure the worth Of a person as a person, regardless of birth. Not, what was their church, nor what was their creed? But had they befriended those really in need? Were they ever ready, with a word of good cheer, To bring back a smile, to banish a tear? Not, what did the sketch in the newspaper say, But how many were sorry when they passed away? Suanne