Norman Kenneth Humphreys

Norman K Humphreys, former Chief Editor of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), died on December 14, 2018, at the age of 94. Born in 1924, Norman funded his early education by working in a library at age 15 during the WW2 Luftwaffe blitz on London. Norman joined the Royal Air Force at the age of 17 and quickly rose through the RAF ranks to become a cipher sergeant, living in a tent for 2 years next to a jungle airstrip, in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). He worked on breaking the Japanese code; work that would contribute to the successful US and Allied campaign against the Japanese. On leaving the RAF after WW2 Norman completed his high school studies while working evenings, and subsequently went on to graduate with a BSc (Economics) from the prestigious London School of Economics. During his University life, Norman met the love of his life, Dorothy Elizabeth Read, who he married on June 25th 1949 and enjoyed a wonderful married life together, including the birth of their 3 children and 8 grandchildren, until Dorothy’s death on October 13 2011. On graduating Norman joined the Bank of London and South America and spent two years working in Rio de Janiero, a posting Dorothy treasured. During this posting Norman also worked as a freelance journalist publishing many articles for the Financial Times of London. On his return to the UK in 1963 Norman was invited to join the World Bank in Washington, D.C., and subsequently joined the IMF where he was Chief Editor until his retirement in 1986. During retirement Dorothy and Norman travelled extensively in the USA, visiting all 50 states. Norman was active as a volunteer: President of Bretton Woods Recreation Club, President of Potomac Swim and Tennis, Chairman of the Hammock Dunes Residents Association and a soccer coach for 7 years with MSI. Norman also published his first book, Historical Dictionary of the International Monetary Fund, as well as a second edition. Norman was a lover of dogs and had their companionship most of his life. Norman achieved great things through his intelligence, integrity and personal drive. Norman is survived by his 3 children, Zena, Steven, and Kevin, and eight grandchildren. They will all miss him greatly.