John Bridie Mavor
John Bridie Mavor (1889-1959)
1959 Obituary [1]
John Bridie Mavor, LL.D., who was born on the 23rd July 1889, died after a prolonged illness on the 30th January 1959. He was the son of H. A. Mavor, the founder of Mavor and Coulson Ltd., and the brother of 'James Bridie', the dramatist.
He was educated at Glasgow Academy and received his technical education part-time at the Royal Technical College, Glasgow. He served apprenticeships with Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Co., Drysdale and Co. Ltd., and the Caledonian Railway. He joined the family company in 1911, being successively designer, director, managing director and chairman. He became the first chairman of the firm's subsidiary, M. and C. Switchgear Ltd., and director of Mavor and Coulson (South Africa) Ltd.
In the 1914-18 War he served in the 51st Division in the Royal Engineers, attaining the rank of major. In the Second World War he was chairman of the Emergency Services Organization for the West of Scotland.
He was twice assessor to rectors of Glasgow University and was a governor of Glasgow Academy, of the Royal College of Science and Technology and of the Anderston College of Medicine. In recognition of his services to education and industry, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of laws by Glasgow University in 1956.
He was also a past-president of the North-West Engineering Trades Employers' Association and of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Section of the Institute of Industrial Supervisors, a director of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and a past-chairman of the North British Locomotive Co. Ltd.
His energy appeared unbounded. He would drive himself but would lead others; and he was full of ideas, although a great listener. He was a good mixer in any company and was known by his employees as 'Mr. Jack' or just 'J. B.', but rarely Mr. Mavor. Friendship with him quickly led to affection for him. His death created a sense of loss to a wide circle. He is survived by his widow, two sons and a daughter.
He joined The Institution as an Associate Member in 1919 and was elected a Member in 1926. He was also a Member of The Institution of Mechanical Engineers and of the Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland.