Founder's death announced.

The Imaging Source has announced with deep sadness the passing of its founder, Rolf Bollhorst.

"Rolf was a distinguished engineer and a guiding presence within the organisation. Through his innovation, entrepreneurial leadership, and strong personal values, he shaped both our company and the field of machine vision."

Throughout his career, Rolf demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his work and to the people around him. He was a respected mentor, always generous with his time and expertise, and consistently offered guidance and support to all who sought it.

"His passion for engineering and his collaborative spirit have left a lasting mark on the company, and we remain committed to carrying forward his vision and the principles he championed. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time."

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 @ImagingSource @UnnGmbh

Eddie Kenny RIP

The death of Eddie Kenny has been announced.*

Eddie was among those who founded the Ireland Section of the International of Automation (ISA) in 1977 and became the first secretary of the section.

Like many in the area of automation in Ireland he was employed in the Irish Refinery in Whitegate, Cork. He then became a one of the first instructors in the newly instituted Instrumentation and Control Department in An Comhairle Oiuliúna (AnCo) which later was renamed as FÁS.

In later years he moved from Cork to the Co Dublin FÁS Training Centre in Loughlinstown.

He died on Tuesday (22 April 2025) in his home with his family. May his wife Eithne and his family be consoled.

May he rest in piece.

Official Presentation of Charter to ISA Ireland 4 Sept 1978
LtoR: Eddie O'Connell, Tom Nulty, Bob Shine (Treasurer), Hugh Wilson (Global President ISA),Fred Gilroy (President ISA Ireland), Eddie Kenny (Secretary), Dan O'Sullivan and Maurice Radford.
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* Death Notice and funeral details.

Fred Lane, RIP.

A key figure and inspirational leader within the Electronics Distribution Industry for nearly 60 years.

The death has been announced of the founder and Chairman of FC Lane Electronics, Mr Frederick Lane. Fred Lane was a key figure and inspirational leader within the Electronics Distribution Industry for nearly 60 years. He will be greatly missed by the directors and all staff at FC Lane Electronics, Lane Motorsport and Weald Electronics, the group of companies he led. They have extended their deepest sympathy to his wife and family at this sad time. RIP.

Frederick Lane (1931-2024)

FC Lane is a private, family-owned company that has been in existence for over 50 years and is still prospering, a rare commodity, especially in the rapidly evolving environment that is today’s world of electronics. Industry elders may recall 1966, the year that Fred Lane established his company. The highlight of the year in Britain was an England World Cup victory – particularly appropriate for Fred Lane, since his off-duty passion has always been football. He was a topflight Sussex referee and in 1969, Fred Lane had the honour to be one of the officials at the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Leicester City, Manchester City won 1 – 0.

Fred Lane was by no means new to the electronics industry when he established FC Lane Electronics. At the time he was running a division of a sizeable electronic components business dealing in a variety of device types and selling across Great Britain as well as to several overseas markets. However, one of the primary reasons why FC Lane has been so successful for so long was Fred Lane’s decision from the outset to specialise in just one type of component - the connector.

Time has shown this to be a wise decision as connectors are an essential part of almost every electronic product or system ever manufactured. As the electronics industry rapidly evolved throughout the decades that followed, the connector industry developed newer, more sophisticated, and smaller products to keep pace with and help the industry’s development process. From day one, Fred Lane ensured his company remained at the forefront of interconnection technology.

Starting life in outbuildings behind a public house provided few clues to how they would develop into the multi-million-pound operation it is today. But, as any good businessman knows, careful planning from day one allows a business to spend valuable resources on the right things – people and product. This is a philosophy that Fred Lane has followed throughout his company’s 50+ years and which today sees FC Lane Electronics employ 70 people with a finished product and parts inventory level approaching 9 million pounds.

The company quickly expanded into premises in the centre of Horsham (GB) in a building due for short-term redevelopment before finding its eventual home - Slinfold Lodge. Combining traditional office environments with modern assembly and test facilities, Slinfold Lodge itself, is an imposing country house set in its own grounds and is surrounded by a golf course. Slinfold Lodge remains to this day the headquarters for FC Lane Electronics and the connector manufacturer Weald Electronics, which together make up Fred Lane’s Lodge Group and fitting legacy.

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@FC_Lane @proactivefleet #PAuto #TandM

Passing of automation entrepreneur.

Pat Farrell, the original founding partner at Irish Power and Process ltd (IPP) passed away suddenly earlier this month (April 2023). 

The late Pat Farrell

"Pat was a great friend and mentor to me and he will be greatly missed . Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam!" commented Noel Heary, current C.E.O of IPP.

Pat started the company in 1982 together with Michael Hurley . He was a great customer champion and built the company on his reputation for incredible technical expertise and treating the customer as a long term partner. He was a fantastic mentor and friend to Noel and many. 

He was a great advocate for instrumentation and automation in Ireland and a supporter of the local International Society of Automation section. The picture below shows Pat with Noel at an ISA Ireland exhibition some years ago.

He will be greatly missed by his wife Bernadette and family and many friends and colleagues.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé!

Pat Farrell & Noel Heary on the IPP stand at ISA Ireland  Exhibition in 2003

#Ireland @irishpwrprocess

Don Zee RIP

The death occurred last year of Don Zee, 60th President of the International Society of Automation (ISA)(2005)*. He had been ill for some time.

Don Zee (left) with then ISA Ireland
President, Kevin Dignam in 2005 

A former colleague in ISA commented: "He had a passionate love for ISA and a unrelenting desire to see the organization grow intellectually and financially along with membership growth. He was the Godfather of the Orange County ISA Section and a leader of many events including national ISA events in Anaheim, the local joint venture between the Los Angeles Section, Orange County Section and Southern California Meter (measurement) Association table top show and educational event." 

He also served as Society Treasurer for four years. He was recognised with the Distinguished Society Service Award in 1998.

Although he was very ernest in his service and business he also maintained a good sense of humour, a vital asset in working in voluntary organisations.

He graduated as a Bachelor of Science at university in Pennsylvania. He founded Don Zee Associates in 1975 after a decade of user and sales management employment with DuPont and Foxboro. While at DuPont, he co-authored two patents.

May he rest in peace and his wife and family be consoled.

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* List of ISA Presidents since 1946

Dr Perry L Grady - 1940-2023.

The death has been announced of Dr Professor Perry L. Grady, former President of the International Society of Automation (ISA). He was the Emeritus Associate Dean and Professor at the North Carolina State University College of Textiles (COT).

Dr Perry L. Grady

He was an expert in instrument and control system design and development, computer applications, energy utilization and conservation, electrotechnology applications, fibre and yarn production and properties, and garment and textile care. A registered professional engineer he has over eighty publications to his credit. His papers were donated by him to and encoded in the North Carolina State University some years ago.

Dr. Grady received the Outstanding Extension Award at North Carolina State University, the Fiber Society Distinguished Achievement Award, the ISA Textile Industry Division Achievement Award, and the North Carolina State University College of Textiles Cates-Rutherford Lecturer and Distinguished Alumnus in Fiber and Polymer Science Award. He was a member of Sigma Xi, Phi Kappa Phi, Eta Kappa Nu, and Phi Lambda Upsilon honor societies.

He also served on many ISA divisions and departments including a period as Publications VP. During his term as Society President (2000) he fostered co-operation with other international and national automation bodies including Britain's InstMC. He was unfailingly courteous and encouraging to fellow members of the Society - including this writer. He put forward ideas and suggestions in a gentle and clear way and with humour.

We sympathise with his wife, Pat, and his family on the loss of a beloved family man.

May he rest in peace.

Component industry leader passes.

The Leadership Group of the Electronic Components Supply Network (ecsn) was saddened to learn of the death of George English, founder of G. English Electronics Ltd. (GELEC). George died  on 1st July 2020 at the age of 85 after a short illness and will be sadly missed by his wife Elizabeth and children Susan, David and Tracy, and his six grandchildren.

George Ernest English, 1935 - 2020

Paying tribute to an industry stalwart, Adam Fletcher ecsn chairman said that George English will be fondly remembered by colleagues throughout the electronic components distribution industry: “Prior to his retirement in 1999 George was a keen contributor to AFDEC (the Association of Franchised Distributors of Electronic Components) and the company he founded has remained an active member of the association and its successor ECSN for over thirty-two years”.

George Ernest English was born in London in 1935. In 1951 he joined the British Royal Navy as an engineering artificer where he quickly developed the interest in electrical/electronic engineering that was to become his lifelong passion. He served with the Navy in S.E. Asia for many years, but it was during a spell ashore in Glasgow that he met Elizabeth, his future wife. The couple married in1960.

At the end of his exemplary Naval service, George and Elizabeth returned to Britain where George was able to put his technical skills to good use as a customer support engineer with AEI Cables, before moving to McMurdo in Portsmouth and eventually to Distronic, the Harlow based distributor of electronic components.

George struck out for himself in April 1975 when he founded G. English Electronics Ltd., initially to buy and sell surplus electronic components. The company prospered and George was able to amass sufficient financial resources to attract the interest of well-established manufacturers of electronic components and fund the purchase of a working inventory of desirable parts. G. English Electronics Ltd. became a franchised distributor of electronic components in early1978.

Most of his service with the Royal Navy was spent in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and Korea, where he developed a keen understanding of Far Eastern cultures, knowledge he was later able put to good use when negotiating franchise distribution agreements with reliable manufacturers of competitively priced components in these regions. Many of the business relationships and supply lines George secured during his frequent trips to S.E. Asia are still in place today. He remains widely regarded as the man who showed others the way to source electronic components from Asia and how to profile an effective British stock holding of imported parts.

The company that George founded is now in its 45th year and continues as a family owned business with George’s son David at the helm. Today, GELEC has a subsidiary in China and a distribution centre in Hong Kong.

Those seeking to honour George’s memory are invited to make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society, either on-line or by sending a cheque c/o Francis Chappell & Sons (Funeral Directors), 27 London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1AR.

#ECSN #GELEC #Electronics

Robert V Gilbert. (Manotherm) R.I.P.

The death has been announced of Bob Gilbert last week.

Well known in the Irish automation industry he was founder of Manotherm in the 1960s. Originally in Corn Exchange Buildings in Dublin city centre. It then moved to its current location on the Walkinstown Road.

His sometimes gruff manner hid an honest and trustworthy business man not without a droll sense of humour. He dealt with his customers honestly and expected to be treated in the same way.

He was a staunch supporter of Read-out when it was a printed periodical and there was always a hearty welcome when the writer called. He was alway interested in what was happening in the world of Irish instrumentation.

We extend our condolences to his wife and partner, Amy and to his son Robert.

His death notice may be viewed here.

An automation pioneer passes!

The death has been announced of Leonard W. Moore who was founder and owner of Moore Industries-International, Inc. He passed away on September 6, 2019, at the age of 85.

In 2009 he was inducted into the ISA’s revered group of Honorary Members - individuals whose support of, and/or contributions to, the advancement of the arts and sciences of instrumentation, systems, and automation are deserving of special recognition.

Len was born November 26th, 1933 in Hazelton, Iowa, where he attended elementary through high school. At the age of 16 he graduated high school and then attended Iowa State University where he obtained a BS in Electrical Engineering.

After graduating college Len entered the Army in 1953 as a weapons guidance specialist and spent time at Fort Sill, OK and Fort Bliss, TX. He then trained and taught soldiers how to operate, calibrate and repair various guidance and artillery weapon systems. This was when Len realized he had a passion for instruments and control circuits.

In 1968 he founded Moore Industries-International, Inc. in North Hills, CA. Starting out in a small office with one employee and a very small budget, Len set out to design the most rugged industrial instrument solutions that he knew the industry needed. He used to say that at Moore Industries “we are an engineering company that solves customer’s problems by manufacturing bulletproof solutions.”

Beginning with one instrument, the SCT Signal Converter and Isolator, Len and his “troops” (the term that he used for the company’s employees) went on to design, build and support more than 225 different products that isolate, protect, convert, alarm, monitor, control and interface with any industrial or automation control and monitoring system. Len often said, “the best compliment we can get from our customers is that they forgot about our products or solutions because they performed so well that they just plain forgot they were ever installed.” The resulting rugged M1 Tank design can be seen in most of the company’s products that are enveloped in solid aluminum cases instead of fragile plastic or polycarbonate housings.

More than 50 years after its inception, Moore Industries’ world headquarters is still prospering and remains in North Hills, CA. The company continues to manufacture 100% of its products at this USA location, something Len insisted upon. With two acquisitions, more than 19 industry associated patents, 200 employees and remote offices located in Great Britain, The Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and China, the company continues to engineer, design, manufacture and support existing and new products for worldwide process control and automation customers.

May he rest in peace.

RIP: Michael B. Fedenyszen, II - a dedicated friend and colleague.

ISA members throughout the world were stunned to learn of the sudden unexpected death of Michael Fedenyszen. He had been a perennial at the ISA leaders' meeting for many years and had only recently been elected as VP Elect of the Publications Department. He was excited about his new role and indeed the committee were looking forward to his tenure in that challenging position.

Michael Fedenyszen RIP

Michael was always actively engaged as an InTech Editorial Advisory Board member, providing article reviews to the editor and publisher on each issue and indeed he wrote The Final Say column in the March April issue this year.

Michael B. Fedenyszen, II was a senior instrumentation and controls engineer at R.G. Vanderweil Engineers, LLP. He was an active life member of ISA, serving in many leadership roles and receiving numerous awards. He had a 30 years experience in integrating and optimising instrumentation and controls requirements for combined heat and power plants and central utility plants. Further details of his career and accomplishments may be found on the brief biography on the 2017 Water & Waste Symposium site.

The shocked reaction and generous tributes paid by his peers and colleagues pay tribute to his contribution to the world of automation.

"He was a kind and truly gracious friend. He will be sorely missed."

"Truly shocking. Several of us had the pleasure of enjoying a nice Pubs dinner at the last SLM that Michael arranged. For those who attended, it was a blast. (That was on Sunday 8 May 2017, just over 3 weeks ago in Raleigh, NC, USA)"

"Truly a sad day - losing someone who has contributed to all levels of our Society and society itself as well. I had the pleasure of 'working' with Michael for almost 20 years, when he started attending meetings on behalf of Boston Section and then DVP."

"That is truly sad news. Michael was so into Publications and I know that he was so looking forward to his VP-elect role going forward. We have lost another very dedicated ISA leader. I am sure that he will rest in peace."

"Wow! This is truly heart-breaking news. Michael was in great spirits at the SLM and he was truly joyous about his family, especially his grandkids. He was an advisor to so many of us. He will be greatly missed."

"Michael was a real treasure and will be missed. He was knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor."

"Sad indeed. RIP, Micheal. Condolences to his family and all who ever worked with him, at ISA and elswhere.."

"I'm so shocked and saddened by this news... Mike was one of a kind, a true gentleman, and a wonderful friend. He will be missed so much!"

"What a great guy, friend, and ISA member. He was a special person and we had a wonderful relationship. Michael was always so nice ... and a pleasure to work with"

Shari Worthington posted a short tribute on facebook which probably encapsulates what all those who knew him feel: "It's a sad day. We lost a friend and colleague, Michael B. Fedenyszen II. Thank you for everything. We will miss you. Godspeed. Your friends at International Society of Automation."

The many tributes paid to him on his facebook page  are a worthy tribute to a good and cheerful friend, colleague and mentor.

May he rest in peace and may his family be comforted and consoled.

RIP: Alex Habib - "the real deal!"

Sad news has reached us of the  death of Alex Habib PE well known in the automation industry and an active member and leader in the International Society of  Automation (ISA). He had been in failing health for some time.

Alex Habib, RIP

He was a Director in the ISA Food & Pharmaceutical Division, as well as President/Webmaster of the ISA Central NJ Section and he also served on the ISA's Executive Board. He has authored several important papers and studies down the years.

A colleague in his local ISA Section said, "He ... did so, so much for the section and was passionate about his family, ISA, and our profession.  He was a the real deal – a true class act and role model. Keeping him and his family in our thoughts and prayers."

Alex's business and professional experience includes work with various organizations including Permutit Co., Merck, Olin Chemicals, Pfizer, Jacobs Engineering Phone Poulenc, Hoffmann La Roche, and Invensys in numerous engineering & consultancy roles. He has also worked on several automation-related projects for organizations including: Wyeth, Protein Sciences, Hollister-Stier, IFF, Givaudan Flavors, and Conoco-Phillips.

He has served as industry liaison for the ISA Central NJ Section to IEEE, as well as has written several technical articles and newsletter contributions. He received the Golden Achievement Award for ISA District 2, and the ISA 5.6 Standards and Practices Award as chairman.

He obtained his BSEE from Cairo University, and his MSEE from Farleigh Dickenson University.

The funeral was on last Saturday 13 May 2017.

We extend our sympathy to his family and all his many friends and collegues in the automation profession. He will be sadly missed.

RIP.

Irish instrument pioneer passes

M. W. Bryan

Maurice W Bryan, who has died recently at his home in Dublin was the first Editor of Read-out, when it was the house magazine of Industrial Instruments Ltd. He was in his early eighties. His body has been donated to Medical Science in accordance with his wishes. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

1st issue of Read-out
Edited & produced by MWB

An alumni of Trinity College, where he graduated in Science & Engineering his professional life was spent mostly in the area of Automation, with Honewell, IIL and finally with Jacobs Engineering in Dublin.

The Ireland Section of the International Society of Automation recognised his contribution to Automation in Ireland by awarding him with their unique Instrument Pioneer Award in 1998.

Maurice was also long time member of Irish Veteran & Vintage Motorcycle Club (IVVMCC). He was associated with the club since its foundation and an all-rounder in Irish motor sport throughout his life.

Maurice Bryan RIP

Later he joined the University Motor Cycle and Light Car Club, becoming deeply involved in rally navigation and car trialing. In 1949 he acquired a 1933, 250cc Rudge Radial and took up short circuit road racing. He rode this machine through to 1960, not alone in road races but also in grass track and scrambling.

Maurice was an enthusiastic administrator too, preforming duties for clubs and the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland. He was President of the MCUI 1969-1971, and a former President of DUMC & LMC and the IVVMCC. In 1996, he became editor of the IVVMCC newsletter Exhaust Notes.

In 2000, Maurice, in recognition of his long dedication and commitment to the club, was presented with the IVVMCC Meritorious Gold Star Award.

He also had a lifelong interest in wildlife and when the South Dublin branch of Birdwatch Ireland was formed in 1984 as 'Dublin Southside' with Maurice was appointed chairman.

We extend our sympathy to Bobbie, his wife, and to his family and friends.

Maurice William Bryan 1929 - 2013

Hugh Wilson - RIP

Hugh Wilson, President ISA 1978/79, presents the charter to the late Fred Gilroy, 1st ISA Ireland Section President. Picture shows left to right: Eddie O'Connell, Tom Nulty, Bob Shine, President Wilson, President Gilroy, Eddie Kenny, Dan O'Sullivan and the late Maurice Radford.

The 1978 ISA President Hugh Wilson passed away late last year. He was 85. A memorial service was held in early January.

Hugh Wilson was an icon of Moore Products Co. He started  in Chicago as a young sales engineer and quickly moved to branch manager. He raised his hand and said he would take over DuPont, which was a stagnant account for Moore for many years. Hugh eliminated all sales credit for himself and started visiting DuPont sites teaching control theory courses at the sites.

He started British operations, then Canada, South Africa, Asia Pacific, and other areas of the world. He finally retired as vice president, International Sales/Operations.

Wilson held many important roles in ISA, none more important than that as ISA President. In all the years he was active in ISA, he never lost sight of the fact that he worked for Moore Products, and so many of his successes in setting up international  operations was a result of his networking at ISA. This included the very successful Ireland Section which despite the size of the country has maintained a supply of ISA leaders up to and including the executive board. He it was who presented the Ireland Section with its charter during his presidency and he is still fondly remembered in the section.

May he rest in peace!

Veteran automation professional passes

Arkady Ovodenko the oldest Russian ISA senior member passed away on February 5, 2012 in his eighty ninth year. He was a member of the St Petersburg Section.

He was very well known person in Russia and former USSR in avionics area. 

He was founder and chair of the Main design center of the Holding " Leninetz" in St. Petersburg.

He was an Honorary Radio Operator of the USSR and a "Deserved Machine Builder of Russian Federation" (both titles being the highest state professional titles in USSR and RF). Arkady Ovodenko name is entered in the Engineering Encyclopedia of St.-Petersburg.

May he rest in peace!

The passing of a pioneer!

His many friends throughout the world will be sad to hear of the passing of Maurice Radford. He was aged 77 and died peacefully on Sunday 10th July after a long illness at the Eyrefield Manor Nursing Home in Greystones, Co. Wicklow (IRL).

Maurice was born in 1933 and grew up in Wexford. He played hurling with Wexford Minors before moving to Dublin in 1953 to serve in the Air Corps. It was there, that his training as an Instrument mechanic marked the start of his life long career and passion for instrumentation.

He helped to start the ISA Ireland Section in 1978 and in 1982 was elected ISA District 12 Vice President (when this comprised all geographical areas outside U.S. and Canada). He served for two terms until 1986. The ISA recognised his lifetime service in 2004 with the Instrument Pioneer Award by the section where it was recieved on his behalf by his son Mark. He was hounoured by the Society in 2006 with the Golden Achievement Award though he was unable to attend in person. The Section President at the time Jim Long presented it to him in person later.

Maurice’s energy and drive for engineering excellence will be remembered by the customers, employees and suppliers of the companies he began and managed since 1971 until his untimely illness in 2003. (Measurement, Control and Automation and Mytec Ltd.). Maurice was an early adopter of many technologies and a great evangelist for innovation. He had little respect for the status quo and enjoyed being a contrarian!

Hugh Wilson President ISA presents the Charter to the late Fred Gilroy 1st IrelandSection President Also included: Eddie O'Connell, Tom Nulty, Bob Shine, Eddie Kenny,  Dan O'Sullivan and Maurice Radford. (Silver Springs Hotel, Cork, September 4th 1978)

He introduced many new products to Ireland and was at the forefront of electronic weighing in the 1960’s,  digital instruments in the 70's and 80’s and rubber valves in the 90’s.

With the passing of Maurice, the Automation  Industry and the people associated with it Ireland and in the wider world is the poorer.

Maurice will be sadly missed by his wife Brenda; children, Mark; Norma and Rhona and grandchildren, Lauren, Caolán, Faoláin, Ellen, Fintan, Isobel, Fionn and Caoimhe to whom, and I'm sure all who knew him will join us, we extend our deepest sympathy.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Irish Heart Foundation.