It is with deep regret that I have to inform the membership of the death of Gary Whitworth who passed away in the early morning of 11th February 2021 aged 84. In his final weeks, Gary was in a nursing home in Surrey. He is survived by his wife Pauline, and their children.
Gary was a founder member of the Institute way back in 1993 and served on Council throughout those years until his passing. Gary was elected to President of the Institute for the years 2006 – 2008 and also served a term as Chairman.
Throughout all those years he was always an active and keen supporter of the Institute and was a great role model for young members who took their elected places on Council. The Institute benefitted greatly from all his knowledge, enthusiasm, and experience that he generously shared with all members.
Gary joined the Service in Essex in 1958. In 1960 he moved to Cambridgeshire and began his steady climb through the ranks, Leading Fireman in 1963, Station Officer in the Isle of Ely in 1965 (a separate Brigade at that time). In 1969 he became an ADO in the newly amalgamated Cambridgeshire and Isle of Ely Brigade. 1970 saw a move to West Sussex in the rank of DOIII, and then up through the various grades of that rank until a further move into Surrey as Assistant Chief Officer. He finally moved into Kent as DCFO in 1978 and then he became Chief Fire Officer of that Brigade in 1984. Gary retired from the Service in 1988. However, as we all know, he remained active in the Fire “Industry” for many years and he ran a highly successful fire safety company ‘Fire Stat International’. Prior to his fire service career, Gary spent his National Service as a Military Policeman and saw active service in Korea.
Our condolences have gone out to his family, Gary will be sadly missed, but he has left a lasting legacy for all of us, and that is ‘the Institute’.
Dave White FIFSM (Life), MIFireE, MIIR SM, LCGI
Chairman
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