The following sad news was received from Ed’s grandson Alex on 6 December 2020:
‘I’m sad to inform you that my grandfather Ed McKendrick has died on Friday 4th December 2020.
Ed was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer in February of this year and outlasted his 3-6 month prognosis significantly.
He carried on looking after his wife Jane successfully until early December, remaining in charge of the cooking, continuing to take walks when possible and never letting The Times crossword or Su Doku beat him.
I know he valued the Old Boys Society very much and thank you for keeping him informed.
Kind regards, Alex Newcombe’
Ed joined HMSO Edinburgh as a Printing Officer in 1954, and retired from HQ Norwich as Grade 4 (Director General, Printing and Publishing). His varied career involved him in various printing, reprographic, technical, Industrial Relations and Administrative roles.
The photo above depicts him relaxing at a ‘HMSO Old Boys’ lunch in 2012.
John Eveson adds: Only a day or two ago I sent a card to Ed and Jane, mentioning some memories of our work together. We forged a good relationship on a trip to the States around 1984 or so, after not being particularly close before that – but thereafter we were right up to his retirement as Director General. As press manager I learned how to cope with his ways – he was sometimes a bit irate when I reported Parly Press overnight delivery results – high standards some would say, he was ok when he quickly calmed down, what a guy. I liked Ed and I’m very sad at his leaving us.
Les Birch adds: Very sorry indeed to hear of Ed’s death – I believe that he once took charge of Basildon and in my old prejudiced way I was quite upset at a “tech.” wallah being in charge of what I saw as an exclusively admin. field. Oh, these battles of long ago.
Cecil Hughes adds: I remember Eddie well. When we were both working in the Edinburgh office (when he was a TO) in discussion we would eventually come to his favourite phrase at that time “lets be honest”. He had a great sense of humour.
Condolences have also been expressed by Don Ray, Chris Penn, Dave Forbes, Isobel Williamson and Mike Lynn.
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