The ISPE celebrated its 40th birthday in December, however, the celebrations were muted somewhat as we heard that John Dawes, Hon.FISPE, had passed away in late-November. John had served as the Technical Editor for the ISPE for many years and had spoken at numerous ISPE Seminars and ISPE Workshops at SPATEX. He was a familiar face at SPATEX during the Brighton years, and helped out on the ISPE stand every year, answering hundreds of questions from ISPE members and others, and giving many people the benefit of his vast experience on all matters relating to pools and spas. John contributed articles to virtually every ISPE Magazine and was also a technical author. His book, âThe Design and Planning of Swimming Poolsâ became the ISPE Handbook in the 1980s. John was the author of the âSPidasâ (Swimming Pool industry directory and specifier) series of publications, collaborating with the ISPE in producing the âSPidas directoryâ as well as the âSPidas Pool industry surveyâ, amongst other titles. In addition, John edited and helped produce the series of twenty two ISPE Technical Papers, many of which are still available today. Itâs true to say that the ISPE would not be where it is if it hadnât been for the enormous amount of help, advice and support given by John Dawes.
