Dr John Parnaby CBE, of Workington

Last updated at 20:54, Thursday, 03 February 2011

Former Workington man Dr John Parnaby CBE has died at the age of 73.

Dr John Parnaby

Dr Parnaby, who revolutionised the way that systems engineering was approached in Britain, was born and brought up in Workington.

He was awarded a CBE in 1987 for services to British industry.

Dr Parnaby initiated engineering’s first undergraduate degree course at the University of Bradford, where he was professor of manufacturing systems engineering.

He attended Workington Grammar School and left at 16 to become a technical apprentice at Workington Iron and Steel Company.

There, he was awarded the Bessemer Cup for being the best apprentice in his year.

He studied for an HNC in engineering at college and graduated with distinctions.

He was awarded a state scholarship to study engineering at Kings College, Durham University, and graduated with first class honours.

He also earned a PhD in engineering from the University of Glasgow in 1966.

A keen sportsman, he played rugby for Workington Zebras and hockey for the work’s team.

In 1959 he married fellow grammar school pupil Lilian Armstrong.

The couple, who have four children and seven grandchildren, moved to the West Midlands in the 1980s.

Their son Nick said: “It is remarkable how well dad balanced his business and family lives.

“Through all of his monumental career achievements, we never felt for a second that he wasn’t there for us. He was there for us every step of the way.”

His daughter Susan Hill said: “I don’t know many people with the drive, energy and commitment to step off a 10-hour flight, play a hockey match and then return home to help their children further their education, career and interests.

“Dad juggled it all like a virtuoso.”

Dr Parnaby retired from industry in 1997 and then became chairman of several start-up technology and engineering companies.

He also launched a consultancy firm with another son, Mark.

Dr Parnaby was awarded a Faraday Medal, and was president of the Institution of Electrical Engineers and the Institution of Production Engineers.

He was also a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.

His funeral was held in Solihull, West Midlands.

Dr Parnaby leaves wife Lilian, children Sue, Mark, Chris and Nick, and grandchildren Tim, Lucy, George, Melissa, Mia, Kieran and Kitty.

First published at 19:37, Thursday, 03 February 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk