Ron Baker, who was FETA director general from 1985 up to his retirement in 1998, died suddenly on 18 November.
Mr Baker joined FETA following a career in the Royal Air Force and presided over the early discussions on the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer which was a major challenge for the refrigeration and air conditioning sectors throughout the late ’80s and early ’90s. Mr Baker was also instrumental in the first round of Approved Document L consultations, starting in 1995, which affected air conditioning for the first time. He was also responsible for bringing the Heat Pump Association into FETA, where they play a significant part today.
Throughout his time as director general Mr Baker made many friends amongst member companies, related organisations, civil servants and staff. He was a guest of honour at the 30th anniversary FETA annual lunch earlier in 2014 where he met up with past presidents and staff from his time in charge of FETA.