It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tom Samson FBIPP at the age of 91.
Tom had been a member of the BIPP for seventy five years, joining in 1937 and achieving his Associateship in Commercial photography in 1952 and Fellowship in 1979.
He began his career in photography in 1937, as a trainee with Archie Handford of Croydon. After... completing voluntary service in the RAF, Tom re-joined Handford in 1946 with the promise of a Directorship, concentrating on the commercial side of the business. In the years prior, he had spent time undertaking the testing of principal air cameras used for reconnaissance during the war.
Tom's specialist knowledge of civil flying legislation enabled Handford Photography to offer a personalised professional service of Aerial Photography, accounting for over a quarter of the business’ turnover.
He actively served the BIPP as President from 1969 to 1970, and was awarded a Long Service Award in 2012 after seventy five years with the Institute. He was also Secretary of the BIPP’s Benevolent Society for many years.
Tom will be fondly remembered by the Institute. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.
I first met Tom at an INFOT meeting at Kenilworth and we became an instant friends.
ReplyDeleteLater I served under his chairmanship on the GP committee when as a team we ran GP conferences at various venues over the years. He was also lovely man to work with on the BenSoc committee up until a few years back when, although staying in touch with us he felt unable to attend the meetings any more he will be greatly missed.
Tom was a wonderful man dedicated to his family,photography,the BIPP and BenSoc. There aren't may like him and he will be much missed by all who knew him. Fly high Tom.
ReplyDeleteTom Samson shared his passion of photography, and photographers. We met over 40 years ago, shared our business and photographic knowledge and sincere friendship.He sponsored me for membership in the IIP. I traveled to China with he and Donna on a memorable trip in 1983. Tom invited me to speak at a Bournemouth conference years later. We'll especially remember his love of England and how he shared that with us. Also visited Doreen and I in Canada on several occasions. Donna passed away 3 years ago and he missed her very much.
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