b'Member News November 2021 31ObituariesWalter S. Thomson MBE BSc (Hons) MIET24 September 19425 June 2021 Walters specialist work focusing on electro- Christopher optics in avionics, and in particular the TIALD Obituary provided by the South East Scotlandsystem, was recognised when he receivedGeary BSc(Eng) Afternoon Meetings and Events section (SESAME). an MBE in 1991 for services in the Gulf War conflict. Being a modest man and part of theHons MBA Walter started his long and illustrious team being recognised, Walter was always keen career with Ferranti in Edinburghto be clear that he was accepting the medalMIETin the 1960s after achieving a first- not only on his behalf, but on theirs too. class honours degree in ElectricalMay 1958July 2021Engineering from Heriot-WattFollowing retirement, Walter joined SERMS University. Even before joining the(South East Retired Members Scotland) inIt was with company, Walter was showing signs2005. As the Section made the transition from of being a committed engineer beinga retired members group, Walter applied hisconsiderable shock awarded the Universitys prestigiousexcellent talents to planning the programme thenand deep sadness Watt Club Medal for achieving thesubsequently handling the accounts as Treasurerthat we have lost until 2011, becoming News Editor to record the greatest distinction in his course. Sections exploits and producing a Newsletter.valued member of During his time at university, Walter beganDuring his time with SERMSsince 2019,the IET Healthcare his working relationship with Ferranti throughrenamed as SESAMEhe was always deeplyPanel, Chris Geary, vacation work at the Robertson Avenue site.involved in subjects for events and talks onearlier in July 2021.On graduating, in August 1964 this led to abehalf of members and students. His professional full-time job in the company as an engineer andbackground ensured a local knowledge ofChris was a trusted his leadership skills were soon recognised astechnical and engineering organisations thatcolleague, inspiring he became a project leader. As the companywas extensive, which the Section used tocollaborator and a dear went through transformations from Ferrantiprovide important presentations of relevantfriend. His tangible to GEC Marconi to BAE Systems, Waltersubjects for talks and visits. He worked quietly,contributions to digital remained loyal to the business through aconfidently, and with well-researched informationhealth, interoperability, variety of developmental roles from Technicalto provide a good lead to the committee for itsdiagnostics and engineering Director to Business Development Directordeliberations. His help to the Section over theresilience wont be to his final role at retiral: Strategic Planningpast 16 years has been invaluable and he will beforgotten and his legacy Director of the Avionics Group in BAE Systems. greatly missed by all his friends and colleagues. will burn brightly in the numerous connections that he facilitated across Bernard Dawkins CEng FIETmultiple industry sectors. February 1926January 2021 A trusted leadergenuine and diligentat whatever A pioneer in the training of British engineers died on January 21, justchallenges he undertook. before his 95th birthday, at the Beaumont Care Home in Chorleywood. Chris was a great champion of innovation and innovators Bernard Dawkins, who grew up inLater, he co-founded what became EMSTAin health tech and was Wembley and moved to Chorleywood in(Engineering, Mathematics, Science andalways a man to deliver on 1976, was one of the youngest people toTechnology Association) and in 2016, washis promises. He was wise, graduate in electrical engineering (frommade their inaugural friend and continued humble, energetic but most London University) after the War. to attend seminars in his retirement.of all we will miss his wry Early on he worked for MetropolitanAfter the death of Wilma 20 years ago,yet warm sense of humour, committed Christian Mr Dawkins helpedand the optimism we shared Vickers (later AIE) in Manchester, wherefor the role of technology he was responsible for more than 2,000other bereaved people through Christand innovation in delivering trainees. Church, Chorleywood, where he worshippedimproved healthcare for 44 years. outcomes for all. Mr Dawkins interest in education led himHe was a popular member of Chorleywoods to visit a school in Suffolk, where he fell inFrench twinning association and enjoyedOn behalf of the Institution love with a member of staff, Wilma, whomvisiting France, where one of his sons lived. of Engineering and he married a year later in 1955, withTechnology (IET) Healthcare their honeymoon spent in Holland andHe leaves two sons, two grandchildren Sector and the wider IET, Scandinavia. and one great-grandchild. we would like to convey Mr Dawkins was appointed London andHis sons Gordon and Brian described him as adeepest condolences SE Manager of the Engineering Industryman who would always look for the positiveto his wife, children and Training Board in 1964. side of others and try to encourage. grandchildren.'