ASHRAE Leadership Interview – December 12 and 20, 2022
Neil Childs, Chapter President 1986 and Society Life Member
Background
Neil was born in 1933 in Gilbert Plains, MB His parents had a farm with cows and chickens and grew grain. Eggs and cream formed a large part of the family income, especially in the winter.
He attended a one-room school outside the town and then high-school in Gilbert Plains. He took a one-year course in local administration, that gave him training in book-keeping.
Neil and his first wife, Sheila, moved to Winnipeg in 1962. Sheila much later passed away from cancer.
His partner now is Joan Paulley, a retired librarian, City of Winnipeg
Children: Two daughters and a son, all in Manitoba
- One daughter a retired teacher
- Second daughter, a publicist for United Way
- His son owns a company called Smokehouse, producing commercial advertising information
Neil worked in the HVAC industry until 1996.
Neil was introduced to the HVAC industry when he was hired by a company called McKay-Morton, that sold mechanical equipment. He was hired for his book-keeping training, but his work eventually evolved. Because he was always in the office, he eventually started responding to customer requests for aspects like pump-sizing. This resulted from experience from working with other staff.
Neil then worked from 1974 to 1980 for J.R. Stephenson, a major distributor of equipment like pumps, Volcano boilers and heat exchangers.
He then worked for ITT Fluid Products, a major distributor of pumps, valves, heat exchangers and other mechanical equipment and components. McDonald & Miller boiler controls and fluid controls were some of the lines distributed by ITT.
ITT later bought Bell & Gossett.
ITT operated a school in Chicago, originally started by Bell & Gossett, for mechanical systems and equipment. Neil attended several times, as did other ITT staff.
Neil retired from ITT and the industry in1996 at the age of 63.
He is a Pioneer member (life member) of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Manitoba (MCAM) and was on the board for a period of time. Many of the industry contacts that he made were through MCAM.
After retirement, Neil was involved with two groups:
- A committee for development of Co-Op Housing for 10 years; for which he was General Manager, most of that time for 10 years.
- Ten years with the Manitoba Society of Seniors for which he was President for 3 years.
What were the challenges that you and your colleagues were facing?
Neil found that despite issues such as the energy crisis in the 1970s and economic downturns, there was always a need for HVAC equipment and for components for new construction, renovations and repairs.
How and when did you get started in ASHRAE?
Neil joined in 1975, both Society and Chapter. The owner of J.R. Stephenson, his employer at the time, almost insisted that he join. The owner saw the training advantages of ASHRAE and paid for his membership.
What was your ASHRAE chapter and/or regional and Society experience?
Neil was the Chapter Historian for 12 years up to 1996.
He was the Region Historian for Region XI and visited every chapter in the region. Neil co-wrote a pamphlet about the formations of Region X and XI, together with the Region Historian from Region X.
These two regions had combined Chapter Regional Conferences(CRCs) for a period, One in particular, was special, being in San Diego.
He was on the Energy Management Committee for the Chapter for two years and Chapter President, in 1986
He was on the Society Historical Committee for 2 years.
He was on the Society History Committee for two years, when at the time Society was preparing a history book for the 100th Anniversary of ASHRAE.
Neil wrote the history of the Chapter activities, covering from 1935 to 1990, that was published in 1992. He has a special copy with autographs from a number of former Chapter Presidents and he will donate it to the Chapter for its archives. The version without autographs can be seen and downloaded from the Chapter website.
How was ASHRAE interacting with the public?
Not very much when he first started, bit expanded considerably afterward. He found his membership with MCAM was also very worthwhile.
What people stand out as influences on you?
Neil made a good friend, Bruce Johnson, while Chapter XI was collaborating with Region X. He was the Chapter Historian for region X. During that time the CRC was in San Diego.
Another person was Bill Atkinson, Chapter President in 1952, for whom Neil wrote an account of that person’s life’s work in the Manitoba Chapter History book. Bill worked for Winnipeg Supply & Fuel, who started selling coal-stokers, then oil-burning equipment and then natural-gas fired equipment – supplying and installing, as one example, all three types in the same Winnipeg school over time.
Meeting persons he met while in his membership with the MCAM was also very worthwhile and influential.
What events changed ASHRAE?
Neil said:
- The energy crunch in the 1970s resulting in lower ventilation rates;
- The harm done by CFCs and the need to change refrigerants
- Use of TELEX for submitting quotations and then FAX machines and then computers, instead of just delivering quotations and bids bid in paper form.
What events changed the industry?
Neil said the development of ASHRAE standards and guidelines. Also how product and technical information is now made available for equipment to users, e.g. on-line.
What has ASHRAE meant to the industry’s growth?
Neil said education has been an important contribution of ASHRAE, through trade shows, conferences, certificate courses, the Journal, and hand-books.
What advice would you give to a young person entering the HVAC field?
Get to know your clients and /or customers well. Make a point of regular contacts through the year. Customers need to know that you care about their needs and success.
Did any humorous events take place during your association with ASHRAE?
Neil said none come to mind, but there were lots of good times and experiences, at the Chapter, CRCs and Society.
What other interests and/or hobbies do you have?
At 89, Neil said he has given up most of his hobbies, but he is enjoying life.
For reference:
The Regional Chair is a Director of Society who directs the regional operations for the region. This includes detailing objectives and giving assistance to the RVCs, as well as the Regional Treasurer and Regional Historian.
The DRC shall also coordinate regional activities with the Region Members Council Representative (RMCR) and help the existing chapters in the region. The DRC is a member of the ASHRAE Board of Directors, and represents the interests of the region in all matters of Society importance.
Prepared by:
David Stones, Chapter Historian
ASHRAE Manitoba Chapter