THE SEVENTIES
28
(above)
Geoffrey Pilkington
In 1978 Geoffrey went out for one of his routine runs but
collapsed near his home and died. He was 57 years old. His
health had never given any cause for concern and, indeed, he
had demonstrated almost limitless energy since taking over the
business. As family, friends and colleagues tried to come to
terms with the enormity of what had happened there was a
brave and united front to ensure the business met its
responsibilities and kept operating.
Immediately stepping up to the mark was Finance Director
Roy Clinning. He had been with the company since 1960 and
now took over as Chairman. Geoffrey’s widow, Margaret, joined
the Board which was restructured. Their younger son Jeremy,
who was studying for an MBA at the University of California,
Berkeley, joined as Director in 1979.
Geoffrey’s premature passing was a cruel blow that left a
huge void. To the outside world it was business as usual.
Somehow everyone pulled together and soldiered on. Their
determination to do so was perhaps the greatest tribute that
could be paid to the company’s inspiring helmsman.
