Secretariat

David E Newland, BSc, PhD, CEng, MIMechE

We are very sorry to let members know that Dr David Newland, former Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, died on 2 April 2011.

David Newland graduated in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nottingham in 1960.  As a Shell Scholar, his degree programme formed part of a five-year sandwich course with the Shell Group; upon graduation, he spent a year with the company as a graduate engineer responsible for special assignments before moving to another company to work on the design and testing of new abrasive diamond tools.  In 1964, he was appointed as Assistant Lecturer in Production Engineering at the University of Aston and joined the University of Loughborough as a Lecturer in the following year.  Whilst at Loughborough, he acted as technical consultant to the company Newton Derby Limited. Early in 1970, he was appointed Executive Director – Engineering of the company, responsible for the conception, design and development to production stage of a range of controllers and systems for application to production processes. Despite only remaining with the company for a relatively short time, David effected considerable positive changes in the focus and efficiency of his division.

Taking up his post at Leeds in July 1971, David Newland was closely involved in the development of teaching and laboratory facilities in control engineering. He chaired the Department’s measurement and instrumentation group and supervised the metrology laboratory.  He carried out research on control problems in hydrostatic extrusion systems for the production of high strength alloys. His PhD was awarded in 1977. His participation in other departmental activities included serving for several years as Schools Liaison Officer.  He remained enthusiastic about interacting with industry and successfully completed a number of consultancy assignments.
Very sadly, David fell victim to a degenerative medical condition which, despite his courageous efforts to maintain his professional commitments, eventually compelled his early retirement in 1992, although he retained a limited association with the Department for some time thereafter.

The Funeral Service and Committal will take place at Lawnswood Crematorium Chapel, Otley Road, Leeds, LS16 6AH, on Monday 18th April 2011, at 2.20 pm. There are to be family flowers only but donations may be made to David’s favourite charities: Childline, NSPCC and PDSA. A collection plate will be available at the service; alternatively, donations may be sent c/o Thomasons Funeral Service, 137 Easterly Road, Oakwood, Leeds, LS8 2RY (tel. 0113 248 2899). Those attending the service are requested not to wear mourning colours.

In David Newland’s memory, the flag will be flown at half-mast on the Parkinson Building on the day of the funeral.