Richard Banner Deeley
Richard Banner Deeley (c1901-1950), technical director of Lightalloys
1950 Obituary [1]
Mr. Richard Banner Deeley, B.Sc., A.R.S.M., died at Hill End Hospital, St. Albans, on 16 October 1950 in his 50th year.
His passing was a sad loss to a wide circle of business associates, a considerable number of whom were close personal friends. Mr. Deeley was educated at St. Paul's School, and received his scientific training at The Royal School of Mines.
From there he went to the British Motor Cycle and Cycle Car Research Association in 1924, where he spent about three years before joining the staff of Lightalloys, Ltd., in 1927 as metallurgist.
During the 1939-45 war he occupied the position of Superintendent of Foundries, a post which he filled with considerable distinction, and in July 1948 he was appointed Technical Director of the Company, which position he held at the time of his death.
Mr. Deeley had an infinite capacity for detail, and this, combined with his deep technical knowledge and wide practical experience, made him a very valued member of numerous important technical committees dealing with aluminium and its alloys. In the aluminium foundry industry generally, he will be remembered for his considerable technical attainments, but to those who came in direct contact with him he will leave the happiest recollections of a man whose friendliness and courtesy was equalled only by his anxiety to be of service to those who so often sought his advice.
Mr. Deeley had been a member of the Institute of Metals since 1923.
He leaves a widow and a son.
CHAS. J. FEAR.