IOSH
Tributes paid to former IOSH President
- Date posted
- 13 September 2024
- Type
- News
- Author
- Marcus Boocock
- Estimated reading time
- 3 minute read
Tributes have been paid to former IOSH President Lawrence Bamber, who passed away recently aged 77.
Lawrence was IOSH President in 1989-90. He also served the institution in a voluntary capacity over many decades, including on its Council and Nominations Committee, and has been described as “the glue that held the North Wales Branch together”.
And it wasn’t just in the UK where he had significant influence. He worked tirelessly to support activities around the world, including establishing links between different branches, as well as engaging in countries such as the USA and New Zealand.
In his day job, Lawrence spent much of his career as an occupational safety and health (OSH) consultant, most recently as Managing Director of Risk Solutions International.
Lawrence passed away after a long illness on 4 September. Following his death, tributes have been pouring in from the OSH community, with many acknowledging the support he gave them and IOSH during his long career.
“I got to know Lawrence at the start of my Presidential journey when I became a VP in 2019. His encouragement, guidance and support were invaluable. My enduring memory of Lawernce is his presence, warm smile, and highly principled positioning in all he did for our members and institution, which is something I have carried with me into my Presidential term. I'm certain we all feel his loss, and we send our condolences to his family and friends.”
Stuart Hughes
- Job role
- IOSH President
IOSH Vice-President Richard Bate said Lawrence played a big role in his OSH career. He said: “If it wasn’t for Lawrence, I wouldn’t be where I am now. He invited me into a North Wales Branch meeting and that’s where it all started. I was soon co-opted on to the branch executive.
“He was the glue that held the North Wales Branch executive committee together for many years. And his dedication to IOSH and the profession saw him hold many other roles. But he always took an interest in my career and would always comment on any success I had. He will be sadly missed.”
Generous
Current North Wales Branch Chair Richard Bladon said: “Lawrence was one of the founder members of the North Wales Branch in 2001. Since then, he held numerous roles, including as Chair and Secretary.
“He was the person to approach for IOSH advice as well as for personally motivating members including myself apply to be Chair, even though it was only four months after a below knee amputation. He had time for anybody. A great man who was a family man, businessman and an IOSH man. He will be greatly missed by us all.”
John Jones, Vice-Chair of the North Wales Branch, said: “I first met Lawrence nearly 20 years ago. From the offset, he made me feel welcome and at ease. His passion for health and safety was immediately clear, and his commitment to IOSH was truly remarkable.
“Lawrence was incredibly knowledgeable, always willing to answer questions, support, and mentor others. Over the years, we became good friends, and his loss will be deeply felt. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.”
Sandy Jennings, a former North Wales Branch Chair, said Lawrence supported the branch through a difficult time. He said: “He was always there to appraise me of the IOSH ethos and how things should proceed, and this was very useful in the difficult period at that time.
“He later told me when he arranged the President’s Distinguished Service Award for me, that it was for ‘saving the branch’. He had no small part in all this, and branch and I will be forever grateful to him for all his dedication and hard work in that regard. Rest in peace, Lawrence, and thanks for all your past efforts.”
Former IOSH President Craig Foyle said: “Lawrence was an inspiration for me in my volunteering journey, with his dedication to IOSH and its members. He was also a great support during my presidential year too. He will be sorely missed.”
Last updated: 20 September 2024
