David Lavender, one of the founding members of Lavender International, has sadly passed away aged 66. David was a well-respected, multi-skilled NDT engineer who had over 40 years’ experience in the non-destructive testing industry and became co-managing director, trainer, examiner and consultant at Lavender International.
David Lavender grew up in Sheffield and started his NDT career specialising in radiography of castings, weld repairs, weld tubes and interpretation of radiographs.
In 1976, David had a driving ambition to set up his own company, the J D Lavender Partnership, to satisfy the need for high quality NDT testing and training, in collaboration with his parents Jack and Joyce Lavender. During this period, David had successfully completed his ASNT NDT Level 3 exams attending an examination programme in Columbus Ohio, USA and made many contributions to the world of NDT.
The company’s success resulted in the expansion of an established NDT training school based in Penistone and later named Lavender International NDT Consultancy Services LTD in 1985. David continued to pursue his passion in digital and computed Radiography and became chief examiner and course lecturer, as well as working as a consultant.
Since then, Lavender International has grown to become a global, diversified business with the expansion of Level 3 consultancy services, established training partnerships around the world, with training centres in Rotherham UK and Houston, Texas. To this day, as an employee-owned business, the company continues to uphold the family-run shared values that the David and the Lavender family had originally established.
David had a kind heart, loved to socialise, and spend time with his family and friends. He was a trusted colleague, a supportive friend and will be remembered for his ‘can do’ attitude and sharing his commitment and work ethos with every member of the team.
The flags at the Lavender International Headquarters in Penistone have been set to half-mast in memory and honour of our great friend David Lavender.