Tribute to Chris Dixon
Page 31
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THE TERMINAL illness of my old friend Chris Dixon, RHA industrial relations officer, was so short that the postal circular from head office telling area secretaries that he was in hospital was almost overtaken by the telex message announcing his death. Indeed, northern area secretary Denis le Conte, had just addressed a "get well" card to him when he was handed the message.
Chris, who had been engaged in industrial relations for more than 30 years, will be very difficult to replace. He knew the haulage industry and understood perfectly the uvorkings of trade union negotiators' minds, and he did a great job for RHA members, by Nhom he had the rare distinction of being appreciated.
Before he joined the RHA in 1969 he had held personnel appointments with three ndustrial companies, had been deputy director of labour -elations of the British Film Jroducers' Association and ndustrial relations adviser to the 3ritish Independent Air fransport Association.
His BIATA post called for .ather more diplomacy than his )arlier career in aviation. At 181/2 le was flying Lancasters and )akotas as an RAF pilot officer, or which he was awarded the )FC. His death at 57 is a tragedy.