We are sad to report the passing of Harry Wainman, who for many years headed the storage pest fumigation research team at the Government’s Central Science Laboratory in Slough, working alongside Bishu Chakrabarti, Ed Allan, Adrian Meyer and Mike Kelly. Harry helped develop safe fumigation systems to protect human health and the food we consume.

Bishu said of Harry “I spent many years working alongside Harry and took over from him on his retirement. He was a true gentleman, an appreciator of good food, and a real Liverpudlian"

In 2009 Harry was awarded Life Membership of BPCA in honour of his contributions to the industry. But on retirement he was also decorated with the Queen’s Imperial Service Order for his long civil service career, spanning over 25 years.

Mike Kelly, who worked alongside Harry in the 1970s said “I had known Harry since I joined the old MAFF in 1967, based at our Liverpool Infestation Control Division’s Port Office, to look at imported foods.  I was sent to Slough for intensive training under Bishu and Harry, and even then I realised that Slough was not the nicest place to be, well before the Office existed."

The funeral took place on Thursday 13 April at Chilterns Crematorium, Amersham.