Michael Maximillian Lipman

Michael Maximillian Lipman (known to his loved ones as ‘Max’) passed away on 14 October 2024.

Max was one of the minds behind the UK’s first mainframe computer. He will be remembered for his exceptional technological talents, his curiosity and enthusiasm, and his lifelong love of rugby and boxing.

A sporting streak

Max thoroughly enjoyed his time at Harrow School, where he was Captain of Boxing and played for the Ist XV Rugby team. At the age of 17, he took up a place at Corpus Christi College Cambridge.

From Hong Kong to King’s

After completing his National Service in the Royal Engineers in Hong Kong, retiring as Captain, Max returned to the UK to begin his King’s degree (following in his father’s footsteps).

While at King’s, Max was President of the Engineering Society. He continued to pursue his love of sports, playing in the College Rugby XV and joining the Boxing Club.

A pioneer in programming

After graduating, Max took on a Graduate Apprenticeship. In 1961, he joined the Interactive Technology Corporation (ITC), rapidly working his way up the ranks to become the company’s programming team leader. His role involved working on the first mainframe computer in the UK.

In 1964, Max founded his own software company, which became an international leader in its field and was eventually sold in 1982. 

Max retired in 1985. He devoted his time and money to writing a pioneering computer program to help dyslexic people to learn to read, write and spell.  This was sold into many schools and to private customers, helping improve thousands of lives. 

A proud father and grandfather

In 1968, Max married Eva Jackman and became the proud father of Alexander, Nicholas and Susie. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, who miss him very much.

We would like to thank Eva Lipman, Max’s wife, for providing the details for this obituary.