Roger Denniss (right)

One of the most influential commercial vehicle engineers of his generation, Roger Denniss (pictured right), has passed away at the age of 84.

Born in 1935, Following a five-year apprenticeship with a Vauxhall Bedford distributor in Acton, he spent almost all of his career, including his National Service with the RAF in Cyprus, involved in various vehicle related jobs.

The exception was a three year spell repairing shoes in Ealing, with his father.

He eventually began 23 years working for Bass Charrington, starting as chief vehicle examiner, progressing through group fleet engineer and ending as director of distribution services at his retirement in 1992.

His greatest achievements, though, were as a founder member of the Brewery Transport Advisory Committee (BTAC). Its annual BTAC fuel economy trials at the MIRA proving ground, although primarily focused on brewers' distribution needs, were a major influencer in improving the operational efficiency of trucks across the wider industry.

His recognition included the 1991 Motor Transport Award for services to the road transport industry, as well as serving a stint as chairman of the IRTE.

Prior to his formal retirement, he set up Lorry Logic in 1980, a consultancy involved in all aspects of road transport operations, including acting as an expert witness on a number of occasions, including three cases of attempted murder.

His wife Jean died four years ago, and he is survived by their children, Simon and Sarah. The funeral will take place at St Wystans Church, 7 Willington Road, Repton, Derby DE65 6FH at 2:30pm on Friday, 21 December.

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