Brian Haken, one of the PCB industry’s great leaders and visionaries, has passed away. An inspiration to many in the PCB field, Haken helped form the close ties and friendships that have bonded UK’s PCB industry together for many years.
Haken worked for E.K. Cole TV, before moving to Multitone Electronics, and to South East Printed Circuits as sales director. In 1987, he was instrumental in forming the PCIF (Printed Circuit Industry Federation), which he led as director from its inception until the merger with the FEI, and later Intellect in 2000.
The PCIF was the lead federation representing UK printed circuit manufacturers, suppliers and assembly companies. Its success was a testament to Haken’s energy and drive. The regular quarterly meetings were eagerly attended and the annual conferences at Runnymede were always exceptional.
Haken helped steer the UK PCB industry to wider markets, forging close ties with the IPC in the United States and JPCA in Japan.
It is particularly sad to note that his wife Eileen also passed away a week before.
Haken’s funeral is on June 23 at Southend Crematorium in Sutton Road, West Chapel, at 11.20 am.
If you wish to make a donation to cancer research in his memory, here is a link to the website: http://donateinmemory.cancerresearchuk.org/0006126