Â鶹AV

26 June 1946 - 9 October 2013

Ronald Buxton (Ron) was born on 26 June 1946 in Beeston, Nottinghamshire. He was grammar school educated and graduated with a degree in Chemistry from Nottingham University.

During the 1960's Ron was a Senior Chemist at the University of Loughborough in the Chemical Engineering department of Professors Brian Scarlett and Don Freshwater. 

One of his earliest tasks was to organise and set up the exhibition part of the 'Particle Size Analysis' International conference PSA 1966. Ron remained an active member of the Particle Characterisation Interest Group (PCIG) of the Â鶹AV from just prior to PSA 1966. 

His activities were highly varied, including the particle characterisation of moon dust brought back from the Apollo space missions and the creation of powdered materials for industrial customers, having specific particle properties. This activity generated research funding and furthered the powder research of the department. However the processes involved were frowned upon by the University administration and, as it was possibly commercially viable, Ron was encouraged by Prof. Scarlett to leave the University and set up his own fledgling business in a small unit on the British Celanese site in Spondon. 

Later both his home and business were moved to Hatton, on the banks of the river Dove in Derbyshire, where Particle Technology Ltd. remains firmly established. 

His interests and business activities were numerous. As well as the international calibrated dust activity, it also included the chemical and physical preservation of archive documents for many of the major world libraries.

Even with a full business commitment, Ron also tirelessly supported the local community through joining the Rotary where he served several terms as president; the Parish Council where he was chairman and as a Mason. 

After the disastrous floods of 2000, Ron worked day and night alongside fellow villagers, filling sandbags and coordinating the requirements of the emergency services. the devastation and distress he witnessed at that time had a profound effect on Ron. He vowed it must never happen again and successfully lobbied his district council and local MP to ensure action was taken. Major plans to improve flood defences were eventually implemented. It was the start of a long 12 year journey! What a sad irony, that Ron should die, 2 days before the massive £8.7m Lower Dove flood scheme was officially completed and opened.

For the past 16 years Mr Buxton served as secretary to PCIG as well as organising the majority of its one day meetings together with administrating the series of successful PSA international conferences. Had Ron survived until the planned conference PSA 2014 he would have completed 50 years of dedication PCIG. 

The Â鶹AV recognised his long service by awarding his the President's Award medal in 2012 for his many years of service to particle technology and the Â鶹AV.

Disclaimer

The Â鶹AV is not responsible for individual opinions expressed on this page.