It is with profound sadness that we share the news of our ex-colleague Chris Chiverrell’s passing last Saturday 22 June 2024. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to his family at this challenging time.
Chris was a highly respected member of the CIRIA team having joined us in 2005 and leading our Ground Engineering team across numerous projects including the industry renowned Abandoned mine workings manual; Groundwater control: design and practice (second edition); Manual on scour at bridges and other hydraulic structures, second edition; Guidance on embedded retaining wall design; Whole-life infrastructure asset management: good practice guide for civil infrastructure and countless other guidance documents.
Reflecting on Chris’ time at CIRIA, Dirk Vennix, Chief Executive of CIRIA commented “The entire team are saddened to hear about the passing of our legendary colleague and our sincere condolences to his family and loves ones. I’ve heard plenty of stories of Chris’ unwavering responsiveness to colleagues and peers on countless CIRIA geotechnical guides. His delivery of the final guidance on abandoned mines was undoubtedly a fine example of his legacy. When I joined CIRIA I was struck by his undying devotion and dedication to the organization which stood out like a cheerful beacon of light within our geotechnical community. He was very generous of spirit and will be sorely missed by CIRIA colleagues, past and present, as well as his peers in the industry.”
Fiona Thomson, TFL and CIRIA Council Chair commented “Chris was my very first contact with CIRIA, when I met him at a presentation in the 2000s. My initial impressions were of a slight, dapper gentleman wearing a waistcoat and a kind smile. Chris proceeded to draw me into the world of CIRIA with his combination of gentle persistence and invaluable technical insight. I very much enjoyed working with Chris over the years in CIRIA activities such as the Infrastructure Drainage Guidance and the Ground Engeering Advisory Panel, and also with the Geotechnical Asset Owners’ Forum. For me, Chris Chiverrell is synonymous with CIRIA. I know he will be missed by all who worked with him.”