Bernard Myles: geosynthetics pioneer

From Sam Allen, 4-26-2010

It is with a very heavy heart that I have to tell you that Bernard Myles died last night (4/25/2010), following his long and courageous fight against cancer. His wife Jan, has instructed that cards and letters may be sent to her address at (Jan Blackwood, 15 Greystones Drive, Reigate, RH2 0HA, United Kingdom). Please do not send e-mails to her.

The funeral was May 14 in Redhill, England.

As most of you know, Bernard’s contributions to geosynthetics test standardization span some 30 years. He had been active in CEN and ISO leadership for many years and brought his passion for test procedures and standardization to many ASTM Committee D35 meetings.

Bernie was also active in the International Geosynthetics Society. He was a member of the first IGS Council formed in November 1983 and remained on the Council until 1992. He was later re-elected to the Council in 2000 and remained until 2008.

There was truly only one Bernie. He was never without confidence in his spirited opinions and was always a great sounding board for new and different ideas. His lessons were numerous, his passion rarely matched, and his contributions enduring. He will be missed by all of us.

Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

Sam Allen

TRI

Past Chairman

Committee D35