Humanists UK is deeply saddened to hear of the death of its patron, Professor Pat McKeown OBE FREng, a pioneer in the field of ultra-precision engineering, and a dedicated humanist. He was 95 years old.
After initial student apprentice training (1951-54) in the aircraft industry, he attended the College of Aeronautics at Cranfield University before joining the world leading Swiss high precision metrology and machine tool company GSIP. There, he specialised in the comprehensive geometric and thermal error analyses and calibration of high precision machines. After 13 years in industry, he returned to Cranfield University in 1968 to establish the Cranfield Unit for Precision Engineering which went on to design, construct, commission, and supply a wide range of ultra-precision machine tools and metrology equipment, used worldwide. These included single-point diamond turning machines capable of nanometre accuracy, grinding machines for large telescope mirrors, as well as several specialist metrology instruments.
He was the founding president of the highly successful European Society for Precision Engineering and Nanotechnology (EUSPEN) in 1999, received lifetime achievement awards from the precision engineering societies of America, Japan, and Europe, and was awarded the Georg-Schlesinger Preis from the State of Berlin in 2007.Though his professional life was defined by a commitment to rational thinking and scientific advancement, it was, however, his unwavering support for a more tolerant and kinder world that defined his long association with Humanists UK.
Speaking about his humanist worldview, Patrick McKeown said:
‘Humanism is a stance on life based on the idea and conviction that people can be good and will do good without a belief in god or gods… I re-assert that all religions are man-made and so, I am a humanist, “a free-thinker”. I wonder at the magnificence of the “real world” but no, I cannot relate this to God or any other divine being.’
As a patron of Humanists UK, he used his platform to advocate for a secular state and an education system free from religious discrimination.
In 2019, Patrick was one of over 180 high-profile campaigners who joined forces to oppose the UK Government’s proposal to open new 100% religiously selective schools. He also lent his voice to various petitions, including a call to the Committee of Advertising Practice in 2019 to protect free expression in response to proposed new codes of practice that would make it more difficult to criticise religious ideas publicly.
He is survived by his wife Mary (a historian), their three sons, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson said:
‘Pat was a titan of British engineering and a shining example of the humanist spirit. He applied the same rigour to his ethics as he did to his science, demonstrating that a life built on rational thought is also a life full of deep warmth and ‘free-thinking’ wonder. He was a cherished member of the Humanists UK family, and while we mourn his death, we celebrate a long life lived with extraordinary intellect and immense kindness.’
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 020 7324 3072 or 07534 248 596.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.