JOHN HERBERT BRODIE FIEAust (1935-2015)
John graduated from the University of Sydney with BSc and BE (Hons) and took up a Lectureship in Electrical Engineering at the University of Tasmania in 1958, where he remained until his retirement at the end of 1999. As an undergraduate he gained industrial experience at CSIRO Wool Textile Research Labs, Ryde and, at AWA, Sydney.
John lectured in Circuit Theory, Electronics, Signals and Linear Systems and Control Theory, and at various stages covered all years from first to final year of the undergraduate course. He was also involved in post-graduate courses as well as administrative duties. He had a passion for imparting knowledge to students, and was well regarded by both staff and students.
John was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 1966. His main academic interest was in Electrical Circuit Theory and the implementation of active filters. He published over 20 papers in international journals and conferences including editing 'Australia’s Engineering Milestones – The Chemical Industry' written by his father, John Alfred Brodie (1908-1996). During his academic career, he worked as a visiting lecturer at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), at AWA Microelectronics (R&D) Sydney and at Cambridge University as part of sabbaticals. He was granted the Freedom of the City of London in 1987.
The University went through many changes during John's time and he devoted much energy to improve the Faculty of Engineering and maintain the integrity and reputation of the School. John served on many committees of the University and was Dean of the Faculty of Engineering in 1984 and 1985, and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Surveying in 1996 and 1997.
He had relationships with the Engineering Profession and was a member of Engineers Australia, Institution of Radio and Electronic Engineers, and Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE).
He was deputy Chair of Engineers Australia Electrical College in 1981, having previously served on the College for a number of years. He was a member of Engineers Australia's Council in 1981, 1985 and 1986, and Chairman of the Tasmanian Division in 1986. He was also Deputy Chairman of the Enigneers Australia Accreditation Panel in 1987 and overseas representative of IEE in Tasmania for many years.
In 1975 and 1982 John was Assistant Manager and Technical Co-Director of the Electricity Supply Association of Australia (ESAA) Residential School in Power Systems Engineering. He was also a consultant to industry, in particular the Tasman Bridge Restoration Project after its collapse in 1975, the Pole Scan Instrumentation for the Hydro Electric Commission and the assessment of noise levels for Kemp and Denning Pty Ltd.
Outside of University life, John was widely read, enjoyed walking and the odd game of tennis and golf, and was passionate about classical music which he sometimes played at a high decibel level. In his early years he sang in several choirs in Hobart. He also enjoyed playing chess and later on took up the game of bridge. John had a wide breadth of knowledge and would contribute to discussion on most if not all topics. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Obituary Author: Peter Watt