Mr William Blake FCIT FILT FIEM 2 September 1929 to 27 May 2016

It is with great sadness that we announce that Mr William (Bill) Blake, former IGA Trustee passed away quietly on Friday 27th May, aged 86.

Bill made an enormous contribution to the IGA in his many years as Honorary Treasurer, Chairman of the Chair Trust and later Vice Chair of the charity.

The effects of his work have been important and far-reaching. He was tireless in his efforts to raise awareness of both the IGA and glaucoma. He combined his passion and commitment to the Lion’s Club, with his dedication to the IGA and ensured that glaucoma and our charity was firmly placed at the centre of the Lion’s Eye Health programme – a community based education programme promoting healthy vision and raising awareness of the causes of preventable vision loss.

Bill’s working life was rich and varied. He was an experienced consultant and specialist in crisis management, having had more than 40 years involvement in the civil aviation and transport industry.

As a senior operations manager of British Airways until 1983, he had special worldwide responsibilities for Contingency and Emergency Planning and co-coordination. He provided consultancy services in crisis management to major airlines as well as two overseas Governments.

He jointly designed and later directed the Master degree course in Civil Emergency Management at the University of Hertfordshire. He was a director of Blake Emergency Services Ltd and Blake Information Centre and was Chairman of the Institute of Emergency Management.

His wise counsel was invaluable to both trustees and staff. His calm and patient nature made him an asset to the team at the International Glaucoma Association, who have all been personally touched by his support and friendship.

A fuller tribute to Bill will follow in the IGA News.