John Fearn
John Fearn (c1883-1968)
1968 Obituary [1]
Mr John Fearn (Member), a former Managing Director of Westland Aircraft Ltd, died recently aged 85.
Mr Fearn, a native of Sheffield, started his career with the Sheffield steelmakers, Sam Osborne and Co. After a time with Clayton and Shuttleworth of Lincoln he spent 25 years with the British Small Arms Co. in Birmingham before joining Westland as Works Superintendent in 1935. Three years later he was appointed to the Board as Works Director and was Managing Director from 1944 until 1950. In this role, he played a prominent part in the early post-war negotiations for Westland to build and develop American helicopters under licence in this country.
Mr Fearn, who was made a Member of the Institution in 1925, was at one time President of the Engineering Employers West of England Association.
He was an able engineer and held in high regard by all who came into contact with him. The Institution records his death with great regret.