Obituary - Dr G D Spenceley MBE FIMMM
We are sad to announce the passing of Dr G D Spenceley MBE FIMMM.
Don Spenceley was born on the family farm near Penistone in Yorkshire, and grew up with his brother and two sisters. He wanted to be a farmer, but his father wanted him to go to University. He attended Penistone Grammar School, and then he became a junior mathematician at BISRA (The British Iron and Steel Research Association, pre nationalisation) in 1951, whilst pursuing an external degree from London University. He then progressed to a Process Control Engineer with the United Steel Company. He later held department, and then research manager positions with the then nationalised British Steel Corporation at Sheffield and Teesside. He then became Manager of the Teesside Laboratories of the then British Steel plc (then de-nationalised), and Co-ordinator for Process Technology across the entire company. He was sole, or joint inventor on 23 published patents relating to process developments in the steel industry.
He sat on many committees, being Past President of the ECSC Executive Committee on Steelmaking and former Expert Member on Steelmaking and Casting Committees. He was a former Governor of Teesside Polytechnic, later to become Teesside University. He was awarded the Sir Robert Hadfield Medal by the Institute of Materials in 1987 and the MBE in the 1988 New Year’s Honours list. In 2019 Don was awarded an Outstanding Contribution Award by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.
After he retired, Don did not slow down and gained a PhD in 2009 at the age of 75 on Process Development in Steel Research. He set up a Technology Management Training Course at the Ashorne Hill Management Training College, of the then Corus Group. In 2022 he was working on a major research project on the development of a low carbon solid state process route for conversion of iron ore to steel, and in the development of metal/refractory heterogeneous materials. His latest research was into cheap ways of harnessing hydrogen and solar panels for the production of power on farms.
Don was a long time member of the Cleveland Institution of Engineers, being President in 1994, a Trustee in the 2000’s, and continuing as a Council Member right up until his death. He joined the Institute of Metals (forerunner to the IOM3) in 1983, and became a Fellow in 2010.
Aside from work, Don had a great interest in gardening, as a result of his farming background, in particular growing roses and apples. He produced orchards in places such as Yatton House in Great Ayton (a day centre for adults with learning/physical disabilities)and at The Springvale Community Garden at Penistone. He won many rosettes for his roses, apples and vegetables at local agricultural shows. He also made his own wine and cider from his own apples.
Don leaves a wife Hilary, son David, three grandchildren and a great grand-daughter.
Sue Parker FIMMM, CPhys
David Spenceley