Roy Emerson, who died on 27 December, was a former CIEH President who had a most remarkable career as an environmental health practitioner spanning a half century. Roy succeeded Mick Archer as CIEH President from 1984 - 1986. He was one of the founders of the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) and was appointed its President from 1988 to 1990.
A true humanitarian, Roy dedicated his life to improving the lives and health of people here in the UK and overseas.
His work and life embodied the very values that underpin the CIEH such as a strong commitment to reducing social inequalities, improving public health and campaigning for social justice. Roy is survived by his wife Dorothy to whom we offer our sincerest condolences.
The CIEH has created an online book of remembrance for Roy – if you would like to pay tribute to his life and work, please follow the link below:
Pay tribute to Roy
Colleagues may also consider making a contribution to one of Roy’s favourite environmental health charities - Water for Kids. This small charity was set up by environmental heath officers in order to provide safe water, sanitation and health education for children and communities in developing countries. If you would like to make a contribution please visit: www.waterforkids.org.uk
Tributes
Graham Jukes, CIEH Chief Executive
Roy Emerson sadly passed away on 27th December 2010. To me his last CIEH Presidential speech “a knowing look” delivered from the platform at the 1986 conference in Scarborough epitomised his professionalism and passion for environmental health and his desire to address professionalism and real policy change for the benefit of public health, the population and the profession that he served. Roy was a shining example of the consummate professional we all aspire to be; diplomatic, searching, honest, doggedly determined, experienced and passionate, a true role model. His passion within environmental health was always Housing and he was never far from the action when bringing home the reality of poor housing conditions and the need for better policies and resources to deal with it. Through the IFEH he contributed greatly to the development of overseas links and was similarly passionate about supporting the development of the profession in Africa and the benefits to the population that that would achieve. His support to Water for Kids says it all. He will be sadly missed.
My thoughts are with his widow Dorothy and his family at this difficult time.
Stephen Battersby, CIEH President
Roy Emerson was one of the giants of environmental health. His passing is a sad loss for the profession and the world generally – and his many friends around the world. His contribution to environmental and public health cannot be underestimated. His was the wisest of counsels, along with a friendliness and enthusiasm that was infectious. As those who met him will testify he was a true gentleman, but never reluctant to speak up for what he thought right (or against what he saw as wrong). He and Dorothy were always great company at CIEH conferences and social events.
Although able to provide great insight and knowledge on all aspects of environmental health, his expertise and enthusiasm for housing was why perhaps I found discussions with him such a pleasure. As recently as 2007 he was writing to the CIEH Commission on Housing Renewal and Public Health with a detailed analysis of the some of the fundamental issues and indeed in the final report he was quoted.
His continued support for and involvement with the International Federation of Environmental Health and other initiatives to improve environmental and public health such as Water for Kids, are examples of how much he cared for others but also illustrate how much he thought environmental health could contribute to a better and healthier world. His interest in environmental health was unwavering to the end and his support has been greatly appreciated by many individuals and organisations.
Les Milne, CIEH Trustee
Roy an enthusiastic supporter of Water for Kids and he was proud to be their Vice President.
Although in recent years Roy and Dorothy weren’t able to attend IFEH events their absence was always noticed by all those who used to look forward to seeing their cheerful faces. They would still expect to be kept up to date and it was a pleasure visiting them, particularly with guests from Kenya here through the Commonwealth Fellowship Scheme.
Local meetings were never a problem and so it was good to see them at the recent Water for Kids AGM in Manchester. Roy was also an active participant at the recent CIEH North East Regional meeting at Northumbria University, where he addressed the students with his usual infectious enthusiasm as well as making sure he diligently marked each of the case studies on display.
If ever there was a role model on how to “Live the Dream” Roy was it.
I will miss his kind words and wise counsel and I know many others will share that view.
He truly was a “Friend of the Human Race”
Michael Halls, IFEH
Roy Emerson, who passed away suddenly on 27th December, was a remarkable, kind and generous man who loved life and whose passing leaves a gap in the lives of very many colleagues in all corners of the World.
Roy was the quintessential Environmental Health practitioner and what he achieved during his long and distinguished career marked him as someone special. His greatest achievements came in the field of Housing but, in all other aspects of Environmental Health, he was a person to whom others turned for help and advice. Such help and advice was always given willingly and with a genuine wish to be of assistance.
He was the person to whom the fledgling International Federation turned in 1988 to lead it into the Inaugural World Congress in Brisbane, Australia and he set the standard to which every President since has aspired.
Roy, together his wife Dorothy, were regular attendees at IFEH events, particularly World Congresses, right up until 2006 and, although they were unable to be at subsequent gatherings, Roy was always anxious to learn how things had gone and what progress IFEH had made. He was particularly disappointed to be unable to make the return trip to Brisbane in 2008.
I have lost a dear friend and colleague and the international Environmental Health community has lost a loyal supporter and a dedicated champion for its aims.
John Greig, Chairman of General Council 1981
I mourn the loss of a dear friend, true gentleman and outstanding professional.
Tim Deveaux, Chairman of the CIEH Resources committee
Roy was a gentleman and a scholar, a giant in environmental health. His grasp of environmental health, especially housing, was second to none. His enthusiasm was infectious and I only experienced that for the first time after he retired from Hartlepool! His energy carried him through to the most successful second career as a champion of environmental health nationally and intenationally which is a fantastic example to us all. He was also a great family man and certainly is a giant in their eyes. His athletic prowess was also extremely impressive, he was a giant there too! Roy, it was a pleasure to have known you and your legacy, through your family and in environmental health, will last forever.