We are sad to announce that David Neadle, former UKLA President (2003-2005), sadly passed away on 1st January 2023.
David was a UKLA Board Member 1994-2009 and Chairman of the Metalworking Fluid Product Stewardship group until 2011. He was a founder member in 1968 of the British Lubricant Federation which subsequently merged in 2005 with the UK Delegation to UEIL to become the UKLA which we know today. David was the first UKLA President and, in the words of Rod Parker, former Executive Director, UKLA: “David was absolutely the right choice as President at this time. During the transition from BLF to UKLA I can say to his credit that I never saw his normal calm nature ruffled or even disturbed during all the lengthy negotiations”.
David was also instrumental in the formation of the UKLA’s Metalworking Fluid Product Stewardship Group which he chaired, and represented the industry at global ISO meetings.
David began his career in the research department of a manufacturer of organic chemicals, after which he joined the Medical Research Council, carrying out chemical analysis and synthesis linked to the chemical pathology of mental disorders. Following a further one year as a hospital biochemist, he returned to industry and worked with lubricants for 42 years. David’s hobbies included photography and he enjoyed spending time with his family.
A highly respected individual whose contribution to the industry both in person and via his published articles will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with David’s family, friends and industry colleagues at this sad time.
