Obituary

Citation

Morgan, A. (1999), "Obituary", Circuit World, Vol. 25 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/cw.1999.21725daf.003

Obituary

David Heywood (Plate 3), the Chairman of the PCIF, died suddenly in hospital on 25 April 1999 after a short illness. He was 58.

David began his career by joining Rolls-Royce's advanced materials group in Derby after he had graduated with a degree in Physics from Manchester University. He joined the PCB industry in 1971 working with Micaply in Silloth. In 1981 he joined Marconi in Hillend where he rose to manage their PCB plant. In 1986 he was chosen to head the Isola Werke UK technical team in their new Cumbernauld facility. In 1993, following the successful acquisition of the MAS company by Isola and the merger of the UK operations, David became the Managing Director of Isola Werke UK.

Plate 3 David Heywood

David has held many senior positions in his business and private life outside of Isola. Most recently he was the Chairman of the PCIF. He had just completed the first year of his two-year appointment and was wholeheartedly and enthusiastically engaged in the role. He was also an active member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Cumbernauld and a skilled artist and member of the Dunfermline Art Club.

David takes with him nearly 30 years of knowledge and experience in our industry. He was a frequent speaker at technical seminars and conferences and was proud to have presented a paper at the Printed Circuit World Convention in Glasgow in 1990. We will all feel the loss of his technical contribution.

With someone like David, who has been involved in our industry for so many years it is easy to list his positions and achievements, which are many, without really looking at his human qualities. David was a very easy person to work with. He engendered a very close and personal working environment within his colleagues that made "team spirit" a reality. In his own needs he was very modest, but it would be hard to find a man more generous in support of his friends and colleagues.

David always had the loyal support of his family and leaves his wife Trish, two sons George and Matthew and one grandson, Jonathan. He also leaves his colleagues and many, many friends.

Alun Morgan

PCIF Executive Director Brian Haken added his tribute:

"It is very hard to desribe my feelings at this time as David was a truly dedicated Chairman of the PCIF, a business colleague and friend."I am sure all those who knew David would have been touched by his willingness to compromise in order to resolve any conflict of interest."For me, David was a gentle giant and a friend I will never forget."