The UK engineering community is mourning the loss of John Tymukas, a respected structural engineer who played a pivotal role in shaping London's skyline and transport network, who has died at the age of 73.
From Adelaide to London: An Engineering Journey
Born in Adelaide, South Australia, John was the eldest of six children. His father, Kostas, was a Lithuanian refugee and engineer, while his mother, Kathleen (née Donohoe), was the daughter of Irish emigrants. After completing his schooling at Downlands in Brisbane, John pursued his passion for engineering at the Queensland Institute of Technology, where he earned a four-year engineering degree.
Following his studies and early career in Australia, John made the life-changing decision to move to London in 1990. There, he secured contracts with prominent engineering firms including SKB and WSP, establishing a career that would leave a lasting mark on the capital.
Shaping the Fabric of the Capital
John's expertise as a structural engineer was integral to some of London's most significant infrastructure projects from the 1990s onwards. His professional portfolio includes landmark developments such as:
- Canning Town station
- Heathrow Terminal 5
- The Glaxo Smithkline headquarters
- Crossrail Bond Street station
His work helped define the modern functionality and architectural landscape of the city, contributing to the transport systems used by millions.
A Life of Sport, Travel, and Family
Beyond his professional achievements, John was an avid traveller and sports enthusiast. He extensively explored Europe, using his journeys to connect with Lithuanian and Irish relatives and uncover previously unknown family history.
In the UK, he became an active member of the Dulwich Paragon cycling club and the Dulwich running club, where he often assisted others with their training programmes. His athletic prowess was demonstrated in numerous marathons, where he consistently finished in under three hours. A notable achievement was his participation in the 1993 London marathon, where he placed within the top 1,000 runners.
These activities allowed him to build an extensive network of friends and colleagues across Europe, united by shared interests in fitness and exploration.
John retired just before the Covid-19 lockdown. A stroke in 2020 necessitated his return to Adelaide, where he received care in a retirement village supported by his family.
He is survived by his five siblings – Anna, Peter, Thomas, Julia, and Paul – along with 14 nieces and nephews, and eight great-nieces and great-nephews.
