Secretariat
Michael C Wigglesworth, CEng, MIMechE
Mr Michael Wigglesworth, former Chief Instructor/Experimental Officer in the School of Mechanical Engineering, died on 30 October 2010.
Mike Wigglesworth, who was born in 1933, completed City and Guilds, ONC and HNC qualifications at technical college in Bradford and Lincoln, and also served a five-year apprenticeship in the motor industry. He went on to gain a variety of engineering experience with companies including English Electric, The International Harvester Company and, lastly, the Universal Metallic Packing Company, where he was the Technical Manager of the Deva Metal Division. He attained Chartered Engineer status and Membership of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in 1968.
Mike came to Leeds as an Engineer/Demonstrator in 1970. During the course of his career, he played a central role in the teaching of engineering design to undergraduates, and in the provision of a design service for both departmental and industrially-sponsored research. In anticipation of the introduction of the School’s new degree scheme in Manufacturing Systems Engineering in 1990, Mike was invited to become the Demonstrator responsible for the Manufacturing Laboratory. He took to this role with considerable relish and was key to the major enhancement of the laboratory facilities, including the development of CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) machines as a major feature of the upgraded facilities. He was promoted to Chief Instructor/Experimental Officer in 1990.
Mike had a strong interest in teaching and in the development of the career prospects of students in the School. He took considerable care of the students in his charge and was meticulous in the preparation of course materials. The students in turn responded enthusiastically to his approach to design which blended both academic and industrial aspects, the latter borne of his wide experience of engineering at all levels.
A pronounced feature of Mike’s time at Leeds was his prominent involvement in the affairs of the local (North Midlands) Branch and the Yorkshire Centre of the Automobile Division of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. He formed the Leeds University Students Panel of the IMechE, a development that greatly expanded the scope for the School’s students to become involved with the Institution and local industrialists. Many of the IMechE Branch and AD Centre meetings and activities were held within the School, thus providing excellent opportunities for fruitful contact and collaboration with senior engineers from outside the University.
In 1997, Mike retired from his post and thereafter maintained an association with the School for a further year or so as Senior Fellow. He remained very much in touch with the School during his retirement and was a regular attendee at social events such as the annual Academic vs. Technical Staff cricket match.
Mike is survived by daughter, Alison, and son, John.
The funeral has taken place.
J R GAIR