Tributes have been paid to a well-respected former road safety professional from the north west, who sadly and unexpectedly passed away on 27 September aged 63 years.
Don Isherwood started his road safety career at Wigan Council in 1978, followed by spells at Lancashire County Council and Manchester City Council.
In 1990, Don joined Salford City Council, where he was to spend the next 21 years of his professional life – rising to the position of road safety manager.
Following redundancy in 2011, Don spent two years at Blackburn with Darwen Council, before retiring in 2013.
Throughout his career, Don was an active member of the Institute of Road Safety Officers (IRSO) – which merged with Road Safety GB to create The Academy in 2013 – and of the Road Safety GB North West Group.
Don was awarded a fellowship for his immense contribution to IRSO both nationally and in the north west.
He played a key role in the development of the professional training course for road safety professionals previously offered by Manchester College, and known as the MANCAT course.
Don was a keen photograher and used his talents to help produce road safety campaigns in Greater Manchester and for the Road Safety GB North West Group.
Jill Winstone, a now retired former colleague who worked alongside Don in Salford’s road safety team, has paid tribute to a ‘committed and dedicated’ professional.
She said: “Don did an amazing job as road safety manager at Salford and was immensely respected by all who knew him.
“All of his colleagues in the north west will remember his commitment and dedication to road safety, along with his dry, quick and hilarious sense of humour. Don will be sadly missed.”
Sarah Collins, senior road safety officer at Cheshire West and Chester Council, added that Don was “immensely respected by all who knew him”.
Don’s funeral will be held on 24 October at Overdale crematorium, Overdale Drive, Bolton, BL1 5BU (11am). Afterwards at the Regent Park Golf Club, Links Road, Bolton, BL6 4AF. Due to the unexpectedly high number of people catering may be limited.
I knew Don for over 20 years in the north west remember and valued his support, sometimes at a very personal level in my time as Chair of LARSOA both nationally and in the NW Region.
A lot of people, many I know commenting very eloquently about him. I agree with it all and won’t repeat it for repeatings sake.
Don was one of the good guys and a real gentleman. He will be missed
I am unable to make the funeral but I will stop and think and remember x
Steve Whitehouse, St Helens
+1
What a sad loss to the Road Safety community. A great character and road safety professional. Glad to have known you – you will be missed by all.
joe, Sefton
+2
I knew Don through CRSOA and IRSO. His knowledge of Road Safety matters and enthusiasm for Road Safety were boundless. I totally agree with Stuart from Wigan, that when someone like Don passes you don’t just lose an individual. You lose a history and background that cannot be replaced. My deepest condolences to his family.
Derek C Donald, Inverness
0
I had the pleasure of working alongside Don on many campaigns over the years while I worked for my local authority and Don worked for Salford. We shared many happy stories in that time, as well as producing some well received campaigns.
He always wanted to be in a group with the title Casualty Reduction, Accident Prevention but those above never allowed it. I wonder why?
When someone like Don passes you don’t just lose an individual. You lose a history and background that cannot be replaced.
I’ll raise a glass on the 24th Mr Isherwood
Stuart
Stuart, Wigan
+1
Don was mot only a great road safety professional, but a lovely man, with a excellent sense of humour. His ability to get his point across in a humorous way was second to none. We were lucky enough to have him work for us and take all the photos for our website- it was so much easier when he understood the subject matter and the importance of getting the picture just right.
We will mot only miss his years of experience but his friendship. Thanks Don x
Julie Dagnall, Preston
+1
As a past Chairman of The Institute of Road Safety Officers I am aware of the outstanding contibution that Don made to the profession. It is so very sad to read of his death at the age of just 63. May i offer my sincere condolences to his family.
David Williams MBE
David Williams, Uckfield
+1
Don and I met regularly at IRSO events and more recently in London at our regular reunions. I will miss seeing his fantastic prize winning photos. His contribution to road safety education cannot be measured as he inspired so many people. He is missed. RIP
Peter Wilson, Chichester
+1
Very sad to hear of Don’s passing, absolutely lovely guy. Always welcoming and delightful client to work for and with during his time in Salford.
Bill Smith, GLASGOW
+2