Staff, members and former colleagues of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) were saddened to hear of the passing of former employee, John Weir on Saturday 17 November.
As the Federation’s first Standards Committee Secretary, John was a stalwart who developed the GGF’s Technical Department and helped develop many of the early standards in the industry. In the late 80s, John was instrumental in helping the UK to Harmonise Standards within the European Union.
From the GGF’s earliest days in 1977, John was involved in the GGF’s technical set up. His wife Rosemary was the GGF Membership Secretary and he was Technical Secretary. Rosemary was involved in the negotiations which brought the four Glazing Associations (Glass Benders, Safety Glass, Insulating Glass and Flat Glass) together to form the Glass and Glazing Federation.
Not only did John drive forward industry standards, but he also helped develop the Federation to ensure that it became the credible face for all matters technical. In doing so, he enabled technical and legislative discussions at local, national and international Governmental level.
Steve Rice, GGF Director of Technical Affairs led the tributes;
“John was an incredibly knowledgeable, loyal and passionate person. He was pivotal in the co-ordination and production of “The GGF Glazing Manual” in late 1977. It was a landmark, the first significant technical publication the GGF ever launched. I was extremely sorry to hear this news and my thoughts are with his family at this time.”
Brian Waldron, Chairman of the GGF Standards Committee said:
“It was very sad to hear of John’s passing and my sympathies go to his nearest and dearest. He contributed so much to the GGF and industry and those who knew him will never forget his commitment to raising the standards in our industry.”
John had been ill for some time and in a nursing home in Hailsham since March 2017.
Ian Chisholm (former GGF Deputy Chief Executive), who visited John earlier this year at the nursing home, shares his memories.
“It was good to see John this year and even though he was far from his old self, we enjoyed some precious moments when his old sense of humour would re-emerge. John was an important figure in not just the GGF’s history, but also that of the entire sector. My thoughts and sympathies are with Rosemary and the rest of the family.”
John Agnew, GGF President added. “I knew John for many years and admired his vast knowledge and passion for the glass and glazing industry. He was a true pioneer of the industry and advanced the GGF on many fronts. My sincere condolences go to all his family and friends at this difficult time.”
John Weir was 79 years old and was married to Rosemary for 36 years. His funeral will take place at 12.15pm on Thursday 6 December at Eastbourne Crematorium.
