Tributes paid to SELECT stalwart and Past President Ricky Wilson
Past Presidents and former colleagues have paid tribute to SELECT stalwart Ricky Wilson, who has passed away at the age of 78.
Ricky’s company, R B Wilson (Electrical) Ltd, became a Member in 1981 and he was elected Chair of the Aberdeen & North East of Scotland Branch in 1987.
Eight years later he became the association’s 53rd President after being sworn in at the Annual General Meeting at Coylumbridge near Aviemore in June 1995.
Former SELECT Managing Director Newell McGuiness said: “Ricky was a stalwart of the association, with a keen passion for training and apprenticeships. He was active in Branch, SELECT and SECTT committees and was central to the governance of the association, latterly as its President.
“He was a fervent supporter of SELECT but always firmly and fairly held the staff and executive to account to make sure they delivered for Members.”
Past President David Smith added: “Ricky was extremely knowledgeable about the industry and an invaluable friend and colleague on Central Board for a number of years.
“He was also a straight talker and would always look you in the eye and tell you how it was. If you wanted to know how contractors really felt, you asked Ricky.”
Past President Donald W Orr also paid tribute, saying: “Ricky was a funny and likeable guy. As well as being a good businessman and excellent President, he also had an easy-going manner and was always happy to speak with anyone and everyone.
“He was also extremely proud to be a SELECT office bearer and was enthusiastic in everything he did for the association.”
Another Past President, Eric Rae, said: “Ricky contributed a lot to the association and was extremely well-liked across the industry.”
During his time at SELECT, Ricky served on a number of committees, including the Management Committee and SJIB Training Committee, and also as Convenor of the Education & Training Committee.
In the wider sphere, he represented Member interests at the Scottish Vocational Education Council (SCOTVEC) and the Electrical Installation Engineering Industry Training Organisation (EIEITO) and was also a SECTT Trustee.
Past President John Noble said: “Ricky was President when I was Chair of the Edinburgh & South East of Scotland Branch and we worked on a lot of committees together. He was always good fun and down to earth and had a real passion for apprentices and the future of the industry.”
Fellow Past President Alick Smith added: “Ricky was Chair at the first-ever Branch meeting I ever attended, at the Palm Court Hotel in Aberdeen, and I certainly enjoyed many good discussions with him, both in and out of business.”
Former SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson said: “Ricky was a great supporter of SELECT at both local and national level and in his time as President he was involved in the development of the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland into SELECT.
“He was also a keen advocate of the apprenticeship programme and recognised the importance of proper training for electricians.”
SECTT CEO Fiona Harper said: “The true measure of a person is the difference they make in the lives of others. Ricky was a valued colleague and SECTT Trustee whose passion for training and development made a lasting difference to so many people.
“Ricky was always willing to offer guidance, encouragement, and support, helping our apprentices to achieve their potential. He helped shape careers, inspire confidence, and strengthen the electrotechnical profession and the people within it. His contribution will not be forgotten and he will be greatly missed.”
A keen golfer, Ricky was a regular participant in the SELECT President’s Cup competition and other industry golf days and attended his final Past Presidents’ Christmas Lunch at The Balmoral in Edinburgh in 2022.
Newell said: “Ricky took rather more money from me at golf than I would have liked, but always with a true Aberdonian twinkle in his eye.”
John added: “I certainly remember that he was mad-keen on golf and was even a member of five clubs at one time!”
Ricky passed away peacefully at home on 26 July. He is survived by his wife Val and son Graeme and was preceded in death by his late son, Steven. His funeral service was held at Aberdeen Crematorium on 5 August.
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