In Memoriam | Mehmet Aytun Erdentug

It is with deep sadness that the IEEE UK and Ireland Photonics Chapter announce the death of Mehmet Aytun Erdentug on 1st March 2023.

The world has lost an incredible man, a loving father and husband, and a friend to many, as well as a talented engineer and director.

Aytun, who lived in Worcestershire, passed away in hospital in Turkey on 1st March 2023 due to heart complications and was buried shortly after in Turkey.

After graduating from the University of Manchester with a Master of Science in Control Systems in 1975 and from Hertfordshire University with an Master of Philosophy in numerical analysis in 1981, Aytun embarked on a long and successful career in the industrial engineering industry.

In 1993, he set up Branscan Limited as a subsidiary and division of Parascan, which he helped grow into a successful company employing 70 people. From 1993 to 2002, Branscan solely targeted the milling and baking industry, however Aytun expanded the technology and the application base of Branscan to include the major industrial markets including starch, dairy, chemical, sugar and paper industries.

Today Branscan is now represented in over 40 countries and is currently at the front line of digital imaging technology application in the industry for monitoring and online measurement applications.

It is testimony to how loved and widely respected he was that, when he was buried, two companies closed completely so all the staff could attend his funeral.

Aytun is survived by his loving wife Tina and loving son Ian who is leading his Father’s company as Aytun wished.

Aytun was a deeply respected expert member of the IEEE, and for the past six years Aytun has served as Vice-Chair of the IEEE UK and Photonics Chapter. He was recognised with an IEEE Lifetime Award, which he was immensely proud of.

With his warm and embracing personality Aytun has been a source of great comfort to us in the Chapter and always made us feel like a family.

We will miss him greatly.