Mr Bernard Timmis (1965)

Provided by Mrs Christine Timmis

After leaving King Edward VI Grammar School in 1950, Bernard joined Boulton Paul Aircraft Limited, initially as an aircraft engineer apprentice and then as a post apprentice trainee.  In 1960 he was awarded a BSc (Eng) and also became a graduate member of both the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Institution of Production Engineers.  In 1962 he joined Kodak Limited as a Production Engineer and in 1964 decided to undertake full time study at Imperial College of Science and Technology where he obtained his MSc (Eng) Operational Research and Management Studies.  He became a member of the Operational Research Society in 1965. 

After completing his studies Bernard returned to Kodak in a number of varying roles including Chief Systems Analyst to the Camera Division.  He transferred to the Financial Division as Financial Analyst and it was during this period that he undertook further studies and became an Associate of the Association of Certified Accountants in 1982 and a Fellow of the Association in 1987. 

Continuing his very successful career, Bernard joined Schroff (UK) Limited in 1987 as Financial Controller and was appointed to the Board in 1988, becoming Financial Director.  Bernard was diagnosed with leukaemia and, due to ill health, retired from this post in 2001. 

Bernard was a man of diverse and exceptional ability, with a deep warmth of humour and a rare talent for friendship.  His intellect was formidable, as was his honesty and integrity.  He showed tremendous fortitude and courage in the face of his devastating illness and his spirit never dimmed, retaining a vigour and determination to succeed in all he did until the very end.

During his lifetime Bernard had a great love of literature and the theatre and, in later years, developed his talent for creative writing. He had some of his work published shortly before he died.  He had immense enthusiasm for both golf and bridge.  He was also very keen on building and flying model aircraft.  His ‘DIY’ skills were exceptional and he completed all tasks with precision and perfection. 

Bernard died peacefully at home in October 2007, leaving a widow, son, daughter and granddaughter.  He is deeply missed by his family and many friends.