FETA's Bob Wilkinson

In early August we heard the sad news that FETA’s retired Commercial Manager, Bob Wilkinson, passed away suddenly and peacefully at his home on the Isle of Wight on Sunday 31 July 2022 at the age of 83.  He leaves behind his partner of over 30 years, Eileen Rann, and our sympathy is with her at this difficult time.

Many members will have known Bob Wilkinson from his 18 years as Commercial Manager of FETA in the 80s and 90s.  During that time Bob was the secretary of many HEVAC, BRA and BFCMA committees and most will remember him for his light-hearted and cheery disposition.  He was particularly keen to welcome new delegates into the Association committees and made newcomers feel at ease immediately.

Bob was involved in the HVAC&R industry for 47 years.  He started his career with a firm of M&E consulting engineers before working for contractors and manufacturers both in the UK and abroad including Trane, Luwa, Searle, and Temperature.  Bob joined FETA in August 1983 as the Commercial Manager at their Maidenhead office and two years later moved with FETA to their Bourne End office.

Bob retired from FETA in 2001 in his early 60s to pursue his other interests and in particular his singing.  An accomplished baritone, as well as singing for his various charities, he put his skill to good use singing at many industry gatherings throughout the 80s and 90s and was still doing singing engagements this year.  Bob was well thought of at EUROVENT where he was Secretary of the Marketing Commission and, shortly after retirement, was invited to attend their AGM in Stockholm in 2001, where he was invited to sing at the event and received an ovation.