By Chris Atkins B Eng Hons, PhD, CEng FICE FICorr
The end of May saw the passing of Ken Dykes.
It is difficult to describe the profound impact some people have on the world. The UK is at the cutting edge of concrete repair and has moved the goalposts with regards to the cathodic protection of steel in concrete. A significant portion of this progress is down to Ken. Many people will have first encountered Ken when he was giving a presentation, explaining complex electrochemical stuff with scouse wit and humour (a byproduct of being a lifelong Everton fan). This hid the fact that he actually knew what he was talking about. If the main aim of a technical presentation is to make the audience remember what they were told and who told them, he certainly achieved this.
He supported the concrete repair and corrosion industry for as long as I’ve known him. There are three main trade associations in concrete repair, the Corrosion Prevention Association, the Concrete Repair Association and the Sprayed Concrete Association. In a feat unlikely to be repeated he was appointed chair of all three over the years. Ken helped establish the Structural Concrete Alliance umbrella organisation and also chaired the ICorr North-West Branch. He undertook these roles with an infectious enthusiasm that meant very few meetings dragged.
At his funeral the commonest memory shared was about someone who cared about people and told jokes that sometimes made you cringe a bit, and sometimes made opening emails from him a nervy experience. As a career goal, seeing the fun in what you do and caring about people probably can’t be beaten. Personally, he supported my wife and I more than he realised. Jessica, and I am honoured to call him a friend.
Some people end up changing the way things get done in the world. Ken Dykes was one of those forces of nature who moved the goalposts. Thank you for all you’ve given us Ken.
Submitted by Chris Atkins on behalf on the North-West Branch.
Ken Dykes, former ICorr North-West Branch Chair and of CPA, CRA and SPA.
