John FitzPatrick: John FitzPatrick, the founder of the profit-sharing movement in Ireland, has died aged of 93 after a short illness.
His death was greeted by his family colleagues and friends with sadness and an element of surprise because they thought he would go on forever. He was still busy promoting the cause of profit-sharing and gain-sharing, researching and lobbying government for legislation to improve employee participation.
He founded the Planned Sharing Foundation in 1978 and the Irish Profit Sharing Association (now Irish Proshare Association in Ibec), where he was president and was actively involved until his recent illness.
Jack, as he was known to all, was born in Mitchelstown in 1914. His father was the creamery manager. The family moved to Limerick where he grew up and started school in Sexton Street. He went to Roscrea as a boarder, then moved to Dublin to study.
With a B.Comm from UCD and a Ph.D in economics from Trinity, he qualified as a chartered accountant and later was called to the Bar. He had a successful career as a chartered accountant with a practice in Ireland and Britain and was elected president of the Federation of Irish Industries, the forerunner of Ibec. He later came to know recession when his surplus wealth evaporated through helping clients. As a result of this loss, he believed he became a more understanding father, husband and colleague and he was happier for it.
He retired from practice in 1976, moved to Bray and turned his brilliant mind and energies to promoting employee participation when it was unheard of in Ireland. He made an extended research visit to the US as guest of the US State Department. He formed the Planned Sharing Foundation in 1978 and in 1983 published the definitive book on profit sharing entitled Planned Sharing - Practical Profit Sharing.
An antagonist to successive ministers for finance and taoisigh, he persevered and gained their respect and friendship. When negotiations became fraught, his apt quote or ameliorating anecdote ensured that friendly relations were maintained. Finishing a difficult meeting he would say:
And is the road uphill all the way?
Yes, to the very end.
And does the journey take all day?
From morn till night, my friend
A keen sportsman, he was a life member of Lansdowne Rugby Club, Fitzwilliam Tennis Club, Portmarnock and Lahinch Golf Club, where he was captain and later president. He continued playing golf in Portmarnock well into his 90s.
He was the complete person in many ways, whether in family, business or sporting activities. He was a man of great faith, of eternal hope and no little charity. He regarded his life as charmed, particularly because he met and fell in love with Kate, whom he married in 1944 and who gave him a loving family.
He is survived by his daughters, Anne and Gillian, his sons David, Barre and Jonathan, his sisters Kitty and Rosemary and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dr John "Jack" Ignatius FitzPatrick: born July 1914; died January 22nd, 2008