Obituary: Denis Curran FIQ

Hanson and Highways England pay tribute following the loss of key contracting friend and colleague

IT is with great sadness that we report the death of Denis Curran, major projects and key accounts director for Hanson Contracting, who has passed away following a prolonged illness. Denis’s career with Hanson spanned 38 years and he was a highly respected and well-liked member of the asphalt and contracting team. Gareth Day, managing director of Hanson Asphalt & Contracting, said: ‘Denis was more than a work colleague; he was a true friend to many in the company and across the industry. His warmth, enthusiasm and professionalism were recognized and appreciated by all who worked with him. He was, quite simply, one of life’s good guys and will be sorely missed. Our throughs are with his family at this incredibly sad time.’ Denis built strong relationships and made many friends across the industry. In particular, he led the engagement with Highways England in the Category Management Pavement Framework, where he championed shared values and a ‘one-team’ approach throughout the delivery team and led implementation of Hanson’s collaborative Pavement Efficiency Group productivity improvements, which resulted in RIS 1 efficiencies of more than £750 million.

Dan Lem, head of category management – roadworks/construction at Highways England, said: ‘Denis was an incredible, inspirational and knowledgeable individual who always made time for others. He played an integral part in Highways England’s pavement community, continuously collaborating and bringing experience and innovative ideas to the table to improve the pavement sector for all. Denis’s positive contributions have made impacts across our major projects and operations directorates. He was part of numerous groups/projects, supporting new initiatives, helping to deliver efficiencies and often being the voice of reason when engaging in wider groups. His positive, happy, uplifting and calming attitude rubbed off on others and made everyone feel at ease. Our thoughts are with his family and industry colleagues at this difficult time. He will be truly missed.’ Denis was also instrumental in the success of Hanson’s award-winning Dorset Strategic Highways Partnership, where he established a collaborative working relationship between all parties leading to the first national surfacing company achieving BS11000 accreditation and oversaw the successful delivery of more than 500 works packages. He held a BSc in Civil Engineering and was a Member Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation and a Fellow of the Institute of Quarrying. Denis is survived by his wife Jenny, children Janis and David, and three grandchildren. His family have set up a Just Giving page for those who wish to remember him with a donation to Macmillan Cancer Support.