The impact of Geoffrey’s premature passing, remembered to this day, was felt by the
entire workforce said Alex Robertson, who joined in 1969 and is now Regional
Director of UK Forks.
“The whole company went into shock. He wasn’t a distant figure at the top of
the tree. Everybody must have spoken to him at one time or another because he
never missed people out. It was a personal loss to everybody in the company,”
recalled Alex.
Barry Stoner, Fleet Sales Manager of UK Forks, is the company’s longest-serving
employee and in 2014 reached his 50-year milestone. Recalling his late MD he said
“He used to visit the depots on a regular basis and knew everybody. He had a lot of
foresight and was never short of having a go at up-and-coming trends. He always
had good equipment.”
Further tributes show Geoffrey is remembered with great affection. “He had time
for people,” said one member of staff. Another described him as being “A real
gentleman,” while one colleague called him “One of the most likeable people I’ve
ever met.” These
various comments
from employees
speak volumes, as
does their loyalty
and longevity with
the company.
In more recent
times, long service achievements by staff have been duly acknowledged in the
company’s magazine,
ViewPoint
, and at service award events. The publication covers
company achievements and the marriages of its employees and subsequent births of
their children. This element of the firm coming together as one big family would
most certainly have received Geoffrey’s encouragement and support.
GEOFFREY’S LEADERSHIP STYLE WAS DEMANDING BUT PATERNALISTIC
IN THE BEST SENSE. HE LOOKED AFTER HIS STAFF AND WON THEIR
RESPECT. THEY IN TURN HAD CONFIDENCE IN HIS UNIQUE STYLE OF
LEADERSHIP AND THOUGHT HIGHLY OF HIM.
A TRIBUTE TO GEOFFREY PILKINGTON –
REMEMBERED WITH ADMIRATION AND AFFECTION
29
The whole company went into shock. He wasn’t
a distant figure at the top of the tree. Everybody
must have spoken to him at one time or another
because he never missed people out. It was a
personal loss to everybody in the company.
