Remembering Hugh Charles Parkman OBE BEng MEng
Hugh passed away peacefully at the John Radcliffe Hospital on 5th March. Born and brought up in Liverpool, Hugh attended Merchant Taylors School in Crosby and then studied at Liverpool University where he completed his degree in Civil Engineering in 1958. After graduating he was awarded a scholarship from the English Speaking Union and a Fulbright Award to study for his Master’s Degree at Yale University, USA. While in the USA he was inspired by seeing such structures as the Hoover Dam and his experience in America gave him the ambition to “think big” throughout his career.
On his return to the UK he worked in London before joining the family firm of Consulting Engineers in Liverpool where he worked for 30 years, retiring as Chairman and Chief Executive in 1997. In the early days the firm employed 45 people working mainly on local projects. By the time Hugh retired, the firm employed 850 personnel and was working on projects in the UK, Africa, the Middle East and Indonesia. Locally, Parkman Group were the design engineers for the Liverpool Albert Dock development and the Lowry Bridge in Salford Quays and worked with Liverpool University to introduce computers into engineering design.
Hugh’s strong Christian faith guided him in his personal life and in his professional career. He was awarded the OBE for services to Liverpool in 1989 and Parkman Group was awarded the Queen’s Award for Export Achievement in 1996.
For relaxation Hugh loved being in the Lake District where he enjoyed sailing and fell walking with the family. In retirement Hugh enjoyed spending time with friends and family, including his six grandchildren. He also kept in touch with many of his former colleagues and had lasting friendships with them.
He leaves his surviving family with many happy and loving memories.