It is with great sadness that CIWM heard about the death of
Keith Bury on 27 February 2023 after a short illness. He was a great advocate for waste management
both in the public and private sector, paving the way for much of what happens
now in the resources and waste sector and will be missed by many who knew him
during his extensive working life.
On leaving full time education at the age of 16 Keith was
articled to Mr E P McGlynn as student public health inspector and undertook a
series of certificates and diplomas in public health. He undertook National Service in the RAF between
1956 and 1958, and became deputy chief public health inspector in May 1967 for
the Borough of Altrincham.
Keith undertook several public sector posts (1951–1970)
before leaving to join the private sector. Here he developed a waste management services company in the North West
within the umbrella of a family business.
In 1978 Keith was appointed Managing Director of Waste
Management Ltd, developing the company from a regional operator to a national
and international business. When WML was
sold to Waste Management International he became the EU Director. At this time Keith was also Director of NFC
Transport Division, operating transport services throughout UK and Europe.
Keith was awarded a CBE in 1993 for services to the waste
management industry.
1995 saw the end of full-time employment as Keith actively
engaged as a business consultant and held various non-executive director positions,
including industry member of North West REPAC in the Environment Agency and acting
chief executive for WINTO (Waste Management Industry National Training
Organisation) 2002–2003. Keith was also
President of FEAD from 1996–2000.
Keith’s close association with CIWM began when he joined the
Institute of Public Cleansing in May 1970 as a student member and upgraded to
associate member in September 1970 at the age of 35. 1982 saw Keith become a Fellow and he was
co-opted onto NW Centre Council in 1985. He became a Life member in 2017. Keith
was President of CIWM 1992–1993 and following on from that became Chair of
Business Services (1993–1997). In 2004 he became a CEnv under the
grandparenting scheme.
Keith was also elected honorary life member of ESA after
being treasurer (1989–1995), Chairman (1987–1989) and member of their Executive
Committee (1977–1995).
Sarah Poulter, CEO of CIWM said “We are all sad to hear
the news of Keith’s passing. He had such
a long association with CIWM and as a former President, we all think of him so
fondly. We would like to pass on our
condolences to his wife Jean, his sons and his grandchildren.”
Barry Dennis, long time friend of Keith and CIWM Life
Member, said summing him up is hard but as Keith always said “If we are
going to do it, lets do it well and in style.”
