Fred Dibnah:Fred Dibnah 02/04/2009 19:03 Page 7
Fred Dibnah The Family Man Dr Fred Dibnah, MBE, steeplejack and television presenter, was born on 28 April 1938. He died after a long illness on 6 November 2004, aged sixty-six. Following his career in television, Fred became a high-profile media personality and the fame that accompanied that status never affected him, or in any way changed his downto-earth demeanour. He will be remembered not only for his many practical achievements, but also for encouraging thousands of others to care about our industrial heritage. That people from all walks of life have appreciated his efforts is without doubt. He enriched many lives through his work that he always looked on not as a chore, but as a pleasure. Proof of his many successes is fortunately preserved in tangible artefacts, on film and in the written word. His official recognition was highlighted by the award of the MBE which deservedly came. He had earlier been accorded the tribute of receiving not one, but two honorary degrees. But, moving away from the public side of his life, let us not forget that, first and foremost, Fred was very much a family man. Born, like a great many of his admirers, in humble circumstances, he was brought up to appreciate the values of companionship, honesty and the satisfaction to be gained from a job well done. As readers digest the comments of his friends and colleagues in this alltoo-brief compliment to him, they will see that the one word which constantly comes to 1991. Fred holding Jack, while Sue holds ‘baby’ Roger.