Former AMI president Dr Peter Silley pays tribute to longstanding member and former committee representative John Rigarlsford, who recently passed away following a short illness.

JR

John Rigarlsford, something of a giant in the world of disinfectants and a pillar of his local community. It’s hard to say how long I’ve known John but I guess more than 45 years - first meeting at a SfAM conference, does anyone remember SfAM? Yes, of course many of us do, but us oldies have to accept progress and change and we continue to celebrate AMI.

I was privileged to represent the Society at John’s funeral and appreciate the celebration of his life where I learned so much more about this great man.

John represented the Society on British Standards Institution and European committees addressing chemical disinfectants and antiseptics. We were always completely confident in his judgement.

A passion for microbiology

John was passionate about microbiology – or ‘bugs’ as he would say – and developed a widely recognised reputation for solving contamination problems and improving hygiene in the food, pharmaceutical and healthcare industries as well as the home.

After spending most of his working life with various Unilever companies and then latterly as Company Microbiologist at DiverseyJohnson, he continued sharing his vast knowledge and experience as a consultant for many years.

He didn’t stop working, even at the end; John was a public governor, elected by local people to work with Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to improve health services.

Ready to challenge

In his final days, as a patient, he called the Director of Services to challenge the hospital on the food … the temperature, as delivered to the patients, was wrong! A man that was always ready to challenge, a man with a lot to say, yet a man loved by so many.

John leaves his wife, Valerie, two sons and a daughter and seven grandchildren, a family that meant so much to him; he will be missed.

A service to celebrate John’s life was held at Holy Trinity Church, Church Street, Tansley, Derbyshire DE4 5FE on Tuesday 24 September, followed by burial in the churchyard.

Donations to support research and awareness raising for antibiotic resistance to Antibiotic Research UK at https://www.justgiving.com/page/johnrigarlsford.  

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