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Can I leave a memory about Michael Babb?
April 11, 2011
Did I hear that your former editor, Michael Babb passed away? Is there somewhere I can leave a comment or memory?
Please leave a memory below about Michael Babb, former editor of Control Engineering and Control Engineering Europe.
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Click here to link to additional information about and articles from Babb (including his first Control Engineering editorial. He passed away April 6, 2011 ).
Eoin Ó Riain
Wednesday, 20-04-11 05:21
I had known Michael for many years in person since he came to Europe and prior to that by repute. He had a very important quality in a journalist in that he was curious, he wanted to know! But in addition he also struck me as someone who wanted to understand. He was not afraid to ask the hard or the simple question. It was no shame to admit that he needed to learn more. Would that more showed this type of realism instead of pretending a knowledge they do not possess. He consulted me on occasion to try to understand the Irish market in automation for instance whereas others presumed that the market in Ireland was the same as in Britain but writ small! As a person he was quiet and gentle never forcing himself into the company but yet not diffident. We have a saying here in Ireland which I have no hesitation in applying to Michael. He was a gentleman and a scholar! May his gentle soul rest in peace and may his family be comforted.
Kevin Poole
Wednesday, 20-04-11 04:59
A very sad day, hearing of Michael's passing. I sent him an article about our new technology and he was most helpful in suggesting and advising how best to get our ideas across to the readers. The published article generated much interest and I thank him again for his assistance with it. I have always found Control Engineering and its European stable mate a clear, concise, down to earth read. This exactly how I found Michael when talking to him, clear, concise and down to earth. I hope that his legacy is that the magazines will continue his good work. My heartfelt condolences to Michael's family, friends and colleagues.
Kevin Poole, Managing Director, Autico Ltd.
Gareth Jones
Wednesday, 20-04-11 04:37
I am extremely sorry to hear about the loss of Michael, I believe this is a great loss to engineering in general. I knew Michael both at Control Engineering and also when he was editor of the Control Section in the IEE magazine (now IET). I always looked forward to meeting with him, it was clear how passionate he was, when we introduced new products he would quickly understand the implications of the new technology and often you could see him getting visibly excited. This passion always came bounding through in all of his writing. Michael also had some unique ways of doing things, which are worth recording, such as getting us to model in front of a new product for him to take a photo, I think these were usually a memory aid but some found their way into the magazines. Another memory is his portrait photo in Control Engineering that always made him look half his age. He will be missed.
willem Hazenberg
Wednesday, 20-04-11 04:31
Michael Babb was a good reporter I knew for the Honeywell European Usergroup and from my MBA research about selecting DCS systems. His help and contacts were very useful.
Willem Hazenberg, Past Honeywell EMEA Usergroup and MBA researcher DCS selection.
Hans Eder
Friday, 15-04-11 03:19
Michael had the rare gift of combining sound technical and industrial knowledge with great communication skills. I have written a whole series of articles for Control Engineering and always liked and valued his way of guiding authors to get a message across in a most effective and simple way. He leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. Condolences to his family and colleagues.