Alfred Minter, Hon Fellow of the Institute of Management Services, has died at the age of 85. He was a stalwart of the Institute and served on the Council of Management until he reached retirement age. Anyone who met or worked with “Alf” will have their own memories and stories.

Alf was born in New Zealand, his father was a fruit importer. From an early age Alf showed an interest in mining,and studied long and hard to achieve this ambition. He soon qualified as a mining engineer. His early years of employment took Alfred to South Africa, South America and Asia. On returning to the UK Alf settled in Kent where the family had a long tradition. He met his wife Betty whilst working at a coal mine in Kent. Betty worked in the administration office. They settled in Sandwich a place they both loved and have spent all their married life.

Alf’s work moved on from mining and he became involved with the motor car industry, working for British Leyland at their Longbridge production line in the Midlands. It was here he became involved in “Method Study” and “Work Measurement”. He gained a PHD, of which he was very proud, his thesis was on “Relaxation Allowances”. This interest motivated Alf to persuade the IMS council of management to consider holding an annual technical conference. This proved to be a great success, and so was born the Institute’s Summer School. It was held at St John’s College, Cambridge, and ran for 27 years. This was perhaps Alf’s legacy to the IMS. Many of you will no doubt have some anecdote about Alf from this wonderful event. My own personal one was, Alf, 65 at the time, wired up, carrying a rucksack on his back, walking on an inclined treadmill for ten minutes, trying to prove the properties of relaxation allowances.

Alf also had interests outside the IMS. He was an avid motor cycle enthusiast. He rode his “Honda Fireblade”(1000cc) regularly. He devised a contraption to fix onto his handlebar to carry the coin for the Dartford Toll Bridge so as to save time passing through the check point.

He once arrived at a meeting in Colchester, a “black tie” occassion, clad in a one piece leather riding suit along with a large helmet. The guests were assembled with their G&T’s etc when this figure burst through the door. He calmly stood in a corner, off with his leathers, revealing a smart suit,bow tie and buttonhole rose.(James Bond eat your heart out!)

Alf was a man of very strong principles and was an avid letter writer to Local Councils, Local MP’s. including the Houses of Parliament on matters affecting his community.

Alf was a lover of classical music, particularly choral music. He regularly attended his local church.

Alfred is survived by his wife Betty, and two sons and a daughter. They lost their first born son, and it was Alfreds wish that he be buried in the same grave.

 He will be greatly missed by all whose path he crossed.

Harry Downes.