Abstract
With the death of Dr. Derek Charles Cornish on 17th December 2013 the Institute has lost a unique and devoted member who contributed in countless ways to its mission. Derek died after a long period of illness during which he continued to serve the Institute in many ways. His wife, Susan, survives him.
Derek was born in 1929 and was educated at Latymer School in London. His National Service was in the RAF as a radar mechanic, where his job was modifying and flight testing airborne radar equipment. After that, in 1951, he worked for a short time at the Royal Mint refinery on the analysis of precious metals and electroplating processes and then at Scribbins-Kemp Ltd on the chemical and physical aspects of biscuit manufacture. At this time he undertook part-time study at Birkbeck College, London where he was awarded a degree in Special Chemistry. The award of a scholarship to pursue a PhD degree in physical chemistry followed this. His thesis, entitled “Anodic Processes at Mercury Electrodes” led to the award of a doctorate by which time he had accepted a post at SIRA (Scientific Instrument Research Association) in Chislehurst, Kent as a senior scientist in the Chemistry Department. He immediately contributed to Sira’s goals by his original work on glass polishing.
By 1968 he was Head of the Materials and Processes Group and in 1971 he transferred to the Industrial Measurement and Control Division with T.P. (Terry) Flanagan as Business Manager. Later he succeeded Terry as business manager for Industrial Instrumentation. Derek eventually retired from SIRA as deputy Managing Director having exerted an enormous influence on the development and success of the company.
After retirement he remained closely involved with many aspects of the company’s work. He was appointed chairman of three important committees including that of the pensioners’ association, on which he spent many years helping to ensure that his colleagues prospered in retirement.
Derek joined the Institute in May 1977 becoming a Fellow in 1980 and an Honorary Fellow in 1995; his Presidential year was 1989. He was an enthusiastic and hard working member of many committees. He joined the Prizes and Awards committee in 1984 and served for 22 years. In 1991 he became chairman of the Journal Editorial committee and held that post until 2010. He was also very active in strategic planning for the future of the Institute and it’s finances being chairman of the Finance committee until recently. In 1999 Derek received the President’s award for distinguished Service and, in 2011, the Tallantire award for extraordinary dedication to the science and practice of measurement and control and to achieving the aims and objectives of the Institute.
For the past 15 years he has organised the annual lunches for Former Presidents who owe the presence of their photographs on the walls of the staircase at Gower Street to his initiative.
Back in 1987 he was invited to join the Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers (WCSIM). His funeral eulogy was given by Neville Watson, Clerk to WCSIM, from which the following comments are selectively extracted.
Derek made his mark in WCSIM, serving on various committees, becoming a Steward in 1991 and being elected to the Court in 1994. He became Master in 2001 and I am sure that Derek’s year as Master was one of the happiest as, together with his wife Susan, they worked incredibly hard to ensure that the members enjoyed an interesting year packed with exciting social visits and meaningful technical lectures.
In 2004 he became the livery’s first honorary Almoner, carrying out the sometimes difficult duties with a quiet compassion that I am sure brought comfort to those he consoled.
In business Derek was incisive and analytical, a true scientist. He was kind, thoughtful and caring and gave more to others than he took in return. He was a gentle man and he was a true Christian gentleman.
Another facet of Derek’s private life was his commitment to his church, St. Leonard’s in Chelsham, Surrey. This ancient building, where his funeral was held, has been magnificently restored by parishioners led by Derek as fundraiser.
His funeral eulogy ended with the following apt quotation: -
I have a journey, sir, shortly to go:
My master calls me; I must not say no.
The weight of this sad time we must obey,
Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say.
The oldest hath borne most: We that are young
Shall never see so much, nor live so long.
We will sorely miss Derek, his loyalty, his humour, his wisdom and his friendship.
Percy Hammond
6th February 2014