OBITUARIES

Peter Johnston

8 February 1943 – 24 November 2023

Peter Johnston was CEO of ICAS from November 1989, a post he held with distinction for approximately 10 years. After a much-travelled upbringing owing to his father’s job as a psychiatrist, Peter obtained an MA.LLB degree from Glasgow University. Prior to joining ICAS, his most recently held positions were with the Procurator Fiscal Service and the Crown Office. He was highly thought of and revered in these roles, both professionally and as an extremely talented individual. His people, networking and negotiating skills – which would serve him so well in his ICAS role – were all highlighted.

In 1988 an initiative to merge ICAS with ICAEW fell through. Peter had a major impact on leading ICAS out of the turmoil that followed the merger vote. Much effort was put into ensuring its technical standing was enhanced, unique education strengthened and a greater focus placed on ensuring it became more relevant to its members.

He played a big part in increasing ICAS’ resources to make certain that it stayed relevant to members and the outside world. As a young man he had travelled extensively, and he put his knowledge of Europe and beyond to good use. It is no exaggeration to say that ICAS would not be in the strong position it is today were it not for this remarkable man. His dealings with other institutes and influential bodies, including government, greatly enhanced the standing of ICAS and indeed the accounting profession.

Internally, he empowered and encouraged his directors to a far greater extent than had hitherto been the case. He had a genuine interest in his staff and their welfare. He formed close links and genuine friendships with various ICAS Presidents during his tenure in office and that is highlighted by the many tributes sent to his family from them – including phrases such as “brilliant intellect”, “astonishing energy”, “ability to get things done”, “respect and affection he was held in” and “his sage advice was always in evidence”.

When Peter left ICAS he moved to New York to become CEO of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC).  As at ICAS, he immediately set out to increase the relevance of a then under-resourced organisation. His successors in that post have much to thank him for. He retired from IFAC in 2004 and returned to the UK for a well-earned retirement. Being Peter, it was not a restful one. He continued to travel all over Africa for the World Bank, setting up accountancy bodies and standards in many countries, ending in South Sudan during a coup.

What of Peter the man? His sociability was legendary. He was a notable raconteur and had wonderful musical skills, especially on the piano, and passed on his love of music to his family. He was also an incredibly accomplished linguist, which of course served him well in his dealings with accountancy bodies and governments throughout the world. He had many longstanding friends worldwide who mourn his death. His mischievous grin and sense of humour will live long in the memory.

He was very much a family man, devoted to his wife Pat, daughter Wendy, son Alasdair, four grandchildren and one great-grandson.

He was a true “lad o’ pairts”.

This obituary was submitted by Peter’s family and friends

Murray McGregor CA

Murray Fleming McGregor (M08777) has died aged 83. He trained with Cram, Worsley, Robertson & Taylor, qualifying in 1965, and subsequently worked as a qualified accountant in the firm RC Thomson & Murdoch, before moving into industry. Until he retired he was Company Secretary of Watson and Philip and he was living in Dundee at the time of his death. He received Gold Club membership in 2015.
This is a personal submission by Sandra McGregor

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Marjorie Laird CA

Margaret "Marjorie" Jessie Reid Parker Laird (M10032) has died aged 86. She trained with Galbraith, McEwan & Co, qualifying in 1970. Her final job was with the same firm and she was living in Ayr at her time of death. She received Gold Club membership in 2020.

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Alexander Smith CA

Alexander Craig Smith (M10954) has died aged 76. He trained with WB Pringle & Watt CA, qualifying in 1973. His final job was with Forth Ports and he was living in Dundee at his time of death.

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Andrew Brownlow CA

Andrew Claude Brownlow (M07710) has died aged 88. He trained with Richard Brown & Co, qualifying in 1961. His final job was with Brownlows and he was living in Colchester at his time of death. He received Gold Club membership in 2011.

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Archibald Fleming CA

Archibald Alisdair Fleming (M10828) has died aged 77. He qualified in 1973 and he was living in Pitlochry at his time of death. He received Gold Club membership in 2023.

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Douglas Fairbairn CA

Douglas McKay Fairbairn (M10822) has died aged 74. He trained with Graham Rintoul & Co, qualifying in 1973. His final job was with EY and he was living in Edinburgh at his time of death.

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John Goodwin CA MBE

John Macleod Goodwin (M06230) has died aged 89. He trained with Davidson, Downie & McGown, qualifying in 1956. His final job was with Highland Malt Distilling and he was living in St Andrews at his time of death. He received an MBE in 2000 and Gold Club membership in 2006.

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John Patience CA

John Patience (M07205) has died. He trained with Watson McCarroll & Co, qualifying in 1959. His final job was with Deva Manufacturing Services and he was living in Maidstone at his time of death. He received Gold Club membership in 2009.

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Rev George Greig CA

George Malcolm Greig (M05606) has died aged 91. He trained with Henderson & Loggie, qualifying in 1953. His final job was with NCR Manufacturing and he was living in Dundee at his time of death. He received Gold Club membership in 2003.

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Robert Tait CA

Robert Brown Tait (M08374) has died aged 85. He trained with J Wyllie Guild & Ballantine, qualifying in 1963. His final job was with Timber Construction and he was living in Exeter at his time of death. He received Gold Club membership in 2013.

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John Barton CA

Robert John Orr Barton (M09430) has died aged 77. He trained with Johnstone, Loggie & Millar, qualifying in 1968. He was Chairman of EasyJet and was living in London at his time of death. He received Gold Club membership in 2018.

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Robin Green CA

Robin Adam Green (M16040) has died aged 59. He trained with Touche Ross & Co, qualifying in 1988. He was working for Pacific Primary Healthcare and living in Wan Chai, Hong Kong at his time of death.

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William Carter CA

William Bruce Carter (M07723) has died aged 86. He trained with Grahams, Rintoul, Hay, Bell & Co, qualifying in 1961. His final job was with Scottish Power and he was living in Glasgow at his time of death. He received Gold Club membership in 2011.

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