APA News
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Death of Ron Nicolson MChemA FRSC 1930-2017
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Ron Nicolson MChemA FRSC
Ron Nicolson at APA Dinner in 2012
It is with great sadness that the Association announces that Ron Nicolson died on 12th March 2017 at the age of 87. Ron was President of the APA from 1988 – 1990.
Ron Nicolson was born in Toronto in January 1930 but his parents returned to Scotland when he was just 3 years old. Following his interest for a career in science, Ron worked as Laboratory Assistant in Lanarkshire from 1946 until 1955 when he moved to Dundee to become Senior Assistant. In 1956 he was appointed Public and City Analyst -an appointment, which at the time required approval from the Houses of Parliament. He held these appointments until 1973 when he transferred to Glasgow where he became Corporation Chemist and City Analyst until re-organisation of local government in 1975. His final appointment was to the post of Strathclyde Regional Chemist as Head of Glasgow Scientific Services/Public Analyst/Food Examiner/Agricultural Analyst until he retired in 1993.
Other high profile appointments included:
Secretary/Treasurer of Association of Public Analysts Scotland (APAS) from 1968 – 1975 Chairman of APAS from 1980 – 1985.
President of Association of Public Analysts UK (APA) from 1988 – 1990.
Served on committees of Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) including Food Advisory Committee, Pesticides and Minerals Waters, COSLA, Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Registration, Safety, Examinations, becoming Chief Examiner.
Chairman of Scottish Food Co-ordinating Committee (SFCC) from its formation in 1983 until his retiral in 1993.Further details of Ron’s career can be read in the extract from his memoirs which is attached below.
Outside of work, Ron’s interests included bowling, gardening, travel, country dancing and sport, particularly football and tennis. In his retirement years, Ron took great pleasure in all the trips and social side of the Strathclyder`s association and was president of the local Probus as well until a few years ago. He had also been an elder at his local church over the years and was held in high regard by the various ministers that passed through during his time there.
Despite being diagnosed with cancer three years ago, Ron remained active as much as he could and was still enjoying cruises and holidays to various countries until quite recently. Ron passed away peacefully at home.
Ron lost his wife in 1999 but is survived by his son, three daughters and seven grandchildren.
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