Thomas Swanson
SWANSON, Thomas John Baikie, BE FIEAust MICE MASCE (1940-2021)
Tom was born in Armidale, New South Wales, on February 8, 1940. He was the eldest child of chemist, Thomas Baikie Swanson and Marjorie Ella Swanson (nee Adams).
Initially the family lived in Armidale where Thomas senior was the head of the Department of Chemistry at the University of New England. In 1945, the family moved to Melbourne where Thomas senior began a long career with ICI (Australia New Zealand).
Tom was educated at Caulfield Grammar School, enrolled in First Year Engineering at the University of Melbourne and graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) on March 4, 1964. He travelled to England, spending 17 months on a working holiday before returning to Australia in December 1965.
In 1966, after a short period with the Victorian Department of Works, Tom joined Gutteridge Haskins and Davey (GHD) in Melbourne. Tom remained with GHD for 36 years, working in Melbourne, Warrnambool and Horsham in rural Victoria, and in 1975 being appointed Manager of GHD’s newly opened Perth office. In 1979 he became a Director of the partnership GHD Dwyer (WA) Pty Ltd.
The merged entity GHD-Dwyer, provided more scale and Tom with his hydrogeological experience, was a key member of a consulting team who were challenged with the job of designing the Water Management (dams, channels, residue ponds and pumping stations) for the new Worsley Alumina project.
As the business grew, Tom continued to play a role in managing the business in WA and leading project teams. He continued working with GHD until his retirement in 2002.
Tom joined the Institution of Engineers Australia (IEAust) as a Graduate Member in 1964, becoming a Member in 1967 and a Fellow by 1986. Tom was WA Division President in 1986. He was also a Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (UK) and of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Tom married Mary Anne Mitchell in October 1966. They had two daughters, Anne and Elizabeth. In retirement Tom was an active member of the Alfa Romeo Owners Club and enjoyed road cycling and travel.
Tom died on December 30, 2021 aged 81 years. He was survived by his wife, two daughters and four grandchildren.
References:
Margaret A Sacks (Editor), The Way 79 Who is Who, Crawley Publishers, 1980.
Stan Arneil, A Firm Foundation, GHD, Sydney, 1988.
Adelaide Advertiser, 14.2.1940, p. 12.
Swanson Family email.
Ian Shepherd email.
