Stuart Walsh

It is with tremendous sadness that staff at TPS have learned of Stuart Walsh's sudden death in early January. Stuart had been Aviation Director at TPS for the past 15 years.

Since graduating as a Mechanical Engineer he has been involved in airport planning and development: "I was drawn to this field by a lifelong passion for movement and its effectiveness. In an airport context this spans a range of different areas from passengers to airport cargo" he said. He started his career with BAA at Heathrow’s Terminal 3 in 1970 and his subsequent CV lists an impressive tally of projects at airports around the world, in the UK, Europe, the near and far East, Africa and the Caribbean. 

Of the many projects with which Stuart was involved, none gave him greater satisfaction than the new Terminal Four at Madrid airport, for which he was Project Director with responsibility for the planning. The building was opened in early 2006 and he said "it is an amazing feeling to have been involved in something that has proved to be so successful".

Aside from his project work, Stuart was also very active in industry bodies such as the Airport Operators Association and the British Airports Group. He also found time to study for additional qualifications which included an MSc in Airport Planning and Management at Loughborough University of Technology with his thesis project entitled “Cargo Terminal Design Parameters”. He also lectured on the MSc course at Loughborough. His expertise encompassed baggage handling systems so, whatever the hereafter may hold, Stuart’s presence there surely means that new arrivals are assured of swift reunion with their luggage.

From the many comments over the past few days, the most repeated word is "laughter" - from an appreciative chuckle to a full blown bellow of glee, Stuart laughed a lot and created much amusement around him. The inevitable occasional tensions of modern office life were always swiftly diverted and quickly forgotten. “I can’t do it all” he was occasionally wont to say, but he certainly had a darn good go at doing just that!  He was very much a friend rather than a colleague and the occasional pint of beer with him after work was always a great pleasure.

He delighted in his family, his wonderful wife Julia, their two sons Gareth and Andrew and their grandchildren. For relaxation he had been restoring a wonderful old Mill House nestling in the Brecon Beacons in his native Wales. It was from here that Julia and he could indulge their passions for great company, food and drink, exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside, jazz, and following the resurgent fortunes of the Welsh rugby union team.

We will try not be sad for too long as we know that Stuart wouldn't approve; he will be remembered with great affection by everyone at TPS. The world will seem an emptier place without him and to those who feel it the most keenly we offer our sympathy.

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