Bill Cox.

Civil Engineer

Born: November 10, 1928

Died: January 1, 2015

William (Bill) Cox, who has died aged 86, had a distinguished career as a civil engineer involved in the design of many large and important projects including the Forth Road Bridge and Bell's Bridge across the Clyde, which was designed for the Glasgow Garden Festival in the 1980s.

Born in Knightswood, he won a scholarship from his primary school to Allan Glens where he excelled not only in the classroom but on the rugby field as well. He proceeded to Glasgow University where he took a first class honours degree in civil engineering before doing his national service with the RAF rebuilding war-torn airstrips in Germany.

Returning home, he joined Sir William Arrol and Co Ltd as a design engineer and he remained with that company in its various incarnations throughout his career, becoming technical director and general manager. He was involved in the design and construction of the Forth Road Bridge, the Humber Bridge, Drax Power Station, the Dubai Docks and he personally designed Bell's Bridge for the Glasgow Garden Festival. He was held in the highest regard by his colleagues, was a long-standing member of the Institution of Civil Engineers and was a past president of the British Constructional Steelworks Association.

Outside of work, he was an outstanding rugby player (stand-off and centre) with Allan Glens FP and represented the RAF during his national service. He remained keenly interested in rugby and was a loyal supporter of Glasgow Hawks and Glasgow Warriors and rarely missed a game at Old Anniesland or Hughenden. He was also an enthusiastic golfer and was captain at Balmore in the 1970s. He enjoyed sailing, playing bridge and loved music, Mozart being an especial favourite.

He was a committed member of the Claythorn Community Council and served for many years as its secretary. He relished the cut-and-thrust of debate and discussion with the city council on matters of planning and transport and was very involved in negotiations with the Greater Glasgow Health Board over proposed developments on the Gartnavel site.

He was awarded an MBE in 2003 for his services to the local community.

He took ill on Christmas Day and died on New Year's Day. He is survived by Elizabeth to whom he was married for 58 years, his two children and four grandchildren.

DAVID A KEDDIE