OFTEC is saddened to report that the founder of OFTEC, Colin Sutherland, passed away peacefully on 6 November at the age of 90.
A gentleman, husband, father, grandfather, fundraiser, athlete, author, poet, organiser and deliverer are just a few words that describe this incredible character. Colin will be remembered for his positive, can-do attitude and for him “living to serve others”.
Colin leaves behind a huge legacy within the heating and energy industries, including the setting up of OFTEC, the CIBSE Domestic Building Services Panel, energy reporting tables and participation in numerous committees and standards drafting projects.
Collaboration
During 1991, Colin had the foresight to acknowledge that, for the oil heating industry to thrive, there needed to be collaboration between fuel suppliers and equipment manufacturers to develop equipment standards and apply common working practices. There also needed to be a skilled workforce of installers and service technicians on the ground. Much of the early work was done by Colin and his late wife Jean from an office in Banstead, that later employed a few administration staff to manage the production of technical books, literature, training materials and registration of technicians. This allowed Colin to focus on building relationships and working on industry standards and codes of practice.
Colin was as proactive in his personal life as he was in his professional career. He dedicated his life to supporting local organisations, including Cochlea Implanted Children’s Support Group; Home-start Epsom, Ewell and Banstead, The Royal British Legion, and the Local Business Forum. In recognition of this he was awarded an MBE for services to his local community in 2013. Since 1968, Colin was involved with his local Scout group and spent many years fundraising to rebuild their dilapidated scout hut. Through relentless commitment and mustering support from his business contacts, enough funds were raised to build a new Scout headquarters. For over 25 years he and Jean, ran an annual open garden day to raise funds for the Cochlear Implant Group and Home-Start.
A celebration of Colin’s life took place at Reigate Manor in November, which was standing room only. Colin and Jean are sadly missed.
Image supplied by OFTEC
