An appreciation for John Parnaby CBE FREng from John Davies CEng FIMechE
I worked with John Parnaby (JP) in the'80s and early'90s while he headed up Lucas Engineering & Systems. He was an inspiration helping me kick start my career as a company trouble-shooter. He was years ahead of his peers. I still come across many manufacturing businesses (often in China) that measure quality in % rejects rather than part per million. He was always approachable and an excellent coach. On one occasion I was leading a workshop on Manufacturing Strategy and, unknown to me, the great man was watching through a window in the presentation room door. Later that day he 'passed by' my desk to beam at me and say "Never lose that enthusiasm...."
He seconded my application for Fellow of the I Mech E. which is something I will treasure forever...
A truly great man and one I will miss for a long time.
