Construction Manager is sad to report that the CIOB’s oldest member, Francis William Saunders MBE MCIOB, died on 19 March at the age of 106.
Born in 1906, Saunders enjoyed a dual career in the army and the industry. His first position was as assistant civil roads engineer with Stirling County Council, then in 1936 he was commissioned in the Officers Training Corps. As Lieutenant Colonel Saunders he was posted to the Royal Engineers with whom he served his country throughout the Second World War in campaigns in France, North Africa, Italy and Greece.
Returning to Stirling in 1947, he entered local politics, serving as a councillor on Stirling Town Council and Scotland’s Central Regional Council from 1956-1994. In these 34 years he made an enormous contribution to all aspects of public life in Stirling.
In his later years he remained actively involved with bodies including the Smith Art Gallery and Museum and Kings Park Community Council and he remained president of the Royal Engineers Association, Forth Valley branch, until his death.
In recognition of Saunders’ long-standing commitment and contribution to Stirling, as soldier, politician and citizen, in 2008 Stirling County Council conferred on him the honour of Freedom of the City.
He passed away at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, on Tuesday, 19 March, a year after losing his wife Mary.
