JOHN DAWES - OBITUARY

After a short illness, it is with sadness that we have to report that John Dawes passed away, at home, with his family on 11 th June 2021 at the age of 79. He had been feeling unwell earlier this year and resigned his role as ISAS Accreditation Scheme Manager and Executive Director in April.

John Dawes has been ever present in our industry since he joined it over 50 years ago. John was there at the start of accreditation and trade associations when industry sought to modernise and improve spill response capability.

In the early 1980’s John set up Oil Pollution Defence (OPD) responding to oil spills and also manufacturing oil containment booms and skimmers. He wasn’t afraid of getting his hands dirty and attended many incidents. He was always looking at how oil spill response equipment could be improved.

John has left quite a legacy. Much of his career has been dedicated to helping UK and Irish businesses; Prepare, Respond and Restore safely and professionally. He has worked tirelessly to raise professional standards through accreditation and training.

Simon Dawes, John’s son, mentioned that when the family went on holiday in the UK, his Dad would reminisce of a spill incident he had attended in the area that they were visiting and give them a detailed report.

John will not only be greatly missed by his family, wife Jenny of 49 years, son Simon, daughter Hanna and 3 Grandchildren but also by the many colleague’s he has worked with throughout his career and who, over time have become close friends.

John’s funeral was held in Bromsgrove on 8 July and was attended by family and friends. Capt Bill Boyle attended to represent the Association and ISAS which sent flowers and a donation to John’s chosen charities.

The International Spill Accreditation Scheme Board

A note of just how significant John’s contribution may be had from reading the History of the International Spill Accreditation Scheme article, that John helped to write, which appeared in our March issue.

https://ukeirespill.org/ publications/spill-alertissue-20/

1942 - 2021 JOHN DAWES