News reached the IIMS Head Office late in the evening on 16th February to inform us that Eur.Ing Jeffrey Casciani-Wood CEng, FRINA, HonMIIMS, FLLA, FIDiagE 1930-2022 (known simply to some as Mog) had passed away peacefully following a short illness.
Known to many in the marine surveying and diagnostic engineering fields, Jeffrey’s passing leaves a huge hole in the IIMS family. His longevity and desire to continue to contribute to Institute life into his 90s marks him out as a unique and inspirational character. He was IIMS President from 1997-2000. There are many superlative adjectives and words that could be used to describe Mog, and all would be appropriate. Words and phrases such as a heavyweight, a legend, a giant, a humourist, consummate author, ‘good bloke’ and gentleman all fit. But he was those things and more.
I recall on my first day in post as CEO when he rang to introduce himself. I had been sitting in the hot seat for less than 30 minutes. He introduced himself simply as Mog. I replied that’s an unusual name. He responded by telling me with gusto that it stood for Moaning Old Git and informed me how much he enjoyed making a nuisance of himself wherever and whenever he could and how proud he was of doing so. Our exchange of banter left a mark on me. We became good friends over the years and developed a healthy professional respect for each other, although both from very different backgrounds.
Jeffrey Casciani-Wood devoted so much of his professional life to the art of marine surveying, (an industry that he cared passionately about), even well after he stopped working. He was often the first name on the attendance sheet when a new training event or online seminar was announced, such was his continuing hunger for knowledge and a desire to keep his mind active. His mind remained sharp until the end. Jeffrey’s legacy will live on for many years to come through the numerous articles and papers he wrote for the Report Magazine, from his videos stored on YouTube on steel bug attack, for example, and via the handy guides written by him and published by IIMS. Indeed he told me that his Small Craft, Ship & Boatbuilding Terminology handy guide, still a steady seller, was the culmination of 50 years work.
Jeffrey was always generous with his time for newbies making their way in the profession. I would occasionally call him and ask if he could help a fresh-faced student and his reply was always positive. He loved passing on his knowledge and experience.
Mog was a devoted family man and used to tease me saying he had lost count of the number of grand and great-grandchildren he had and would say, “Oh by the way another is on the way.” My thoughts are with his family at this time as they mourn his passing.
Jeffrey Casciani-Wood was ‘old school’ and truly a one off who will be sorely missed by all who knew him. I doubt we will see his like again and in that sense, he is irreplaceable.
Given that this obituary was written right on the publication deadline, it was not possible to include comments from others. A more detailed obituary and overview of his life with memories from those who knew him will be published in the June edition of The Report Magazine.
Rest in Peace Jeffrey Casciani-Wood.
Obituary author: Mike Schwarz
