Terry O’Gorman RIP

UK: Terry O’Gorman, the former editor of RAC magazine, died yesterday at the age of 86.

Appointed editor of RAC, then known as Modern Refrigeration and Air Control, in 1964, O’Gorman was witness to what could arguably be described as the “golden age” of refrigeration – a period that saw the growth of the supermarket, the increasing popularity of frozen food and the surge in interest in air conditioning. A man who in his younger days “rocked-around-the-clock” as a minder for Bill Haley during his first UK tour, was to become a figure of great influence in the UK refrigeration and air conditioning industry.

Terry O’Gorman oversaw a number name changes at the magazine, which for many years was the sole industry journal, and remained as editor of RAC until 1989, when he took a sideways move to become commercial editor.

He officially retired in 1996, but continued to have links with the magazine, being heavily involved with the production of RAC‘s special centenary issue in 1996, before finally severing all physical ties in 2003 at the age of 70. However, he continued to follow the progress of the industry and was a keen reader of the Cooling Post.

During his career, Terry was able to give back to both the industry and his profession. He served on the council of the Institute of Refrigeration, the service engineer and education and training committees, as well as acting as his employer’s representative on the Periodical Publishers’ Association training committee. He also served as an assessor of journalism entrants for the London College of Printing.

Related stories:

Terry’s all gold – 4 October 2013
His size meant that few could miss him then but many do now. Neil Everitt reminisces with Terry O’Gorman, former editor of UK trade magazine RAC, a giant both figuratively and physically, who bestrode the UK refrigeration and air conditioning industry for the best part of 40 years. Read more…