Rob Snaith’s career began shortly after graduating with a Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. Moving into fluid system applications engineering, he began what would become more than 30 years of work in the field, quickly establishing himself as an expert.
A position with a major international manufacturer of fluid sealing and transport equipment offered the opportunity to diversify into management, while in recent years Rob’s focus was as a private consultant. His breadth of knowledge and experience made him a go-to figure for designing and troubleshooting complex fluid transport systems and equipment.
His calling took him around the world, from the United Kingdom to South Africa, New Zealand to the United States, and everywhere in between. Global travel not only allowed him to design, commission and analyze a wide variety of projects, it also gave him the opportunity to indulge in his love of scuba diving – along with his Harley Davidson, one of the greatest sources of joy in his life.
Realizing he had a gift for teaching, he soon found himself embracing the role of instructor, finding time in his busy professional life to share his expertise with new engineers and established professionals alike. Indeed, in 1998, his ability to pass on concepts and technical skills even to highly trained peers earned him a top-three placement at an international ‘Train the Trainer’ examination in Boston, Massachusetts.
With his teaching prowess in constant demand internationally, EIT was excited and privileged to secure him as a lecturer, and for more than a decade he has been a valued, respected and loved member of the EIT community. During his time with EIT, Rob was always the consummate professional, comfortably dealing with everyone from the operators and trades people to professional engineers with his eclectic sense of humor.
To those he has taught, Rob is remembered as friendly, approachable and always willing to help them grasp an idea or principle. As a superb teacher who was never less than entertaining in his presentations, he directly influenced the careers and development of many thousands of engineers – a legacy that will extend into future generations.
To his family, Rob was a head strong and determined man, who always had a clear path in mind on where he was going and how he was going to get there. He was never one to shy away from hard work or adversity. He was always a charismatic man whose presence filled the room from the moment he entered and he always made an impact in everything he did and left a lasting memory with everyone he met.
Rob Snaith died as a result of Coronavirus, and the EIT family wishes to extend our deepest sympathy to his family, friends and all who knew him. He will be sadly missed.
