26.12.2012
Ted Williams 1948 - 2012
We have received the sad news that Ted Williams formerly of Sky King and Alan Drew has passed away.
Williams began in the scaffold industry and worked at CMC Scaffolding before joining Allan Drew in 1977 as a director when he established the company's Milton Keynes depot. He led a management buy out in 1997, becoming majority owner and managing director. In 2006 he sold the business to AFI and not wishing to retire at 58 moved to the access division of King Highway products/Sky King, the Palfinger/Wumag and GSR distributor.
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Ted Williams
He was due to retire in January, but was diagnosed with terminal cancer a few months ago and passed away on Christmas Day, aged 64. He leaves behind wife Mary and son Lee.
The details for the funeral of Ted Williams have been confirmed for Friday 18th, January.
A service will be held at 11:30am at St Faiths Church, Newton Longville, Milton Keynes. With everyone welcome to refreshments afterwards at the Crooked Billet Pub in the village. The actual burial will be a private family affair.
Tony (Mac) Rhoades
My thoughts go out to Mary,Lee and the rest of the Williams Family, I worked with Ted for 30 Years at Alan Drew and we had some great times together, it was Ted who gave me the Job at the "New" Milton Keynes depot, and with his knowledge, help and encouragement I ended up as Operations Director, During this time his help and encouragement with other employees, Representatives and even competitors forged good careers for many people.
He will always be remembered during my life, thanks for all the great times Ted !
RIP Mac
jim-longstaff
RIP a fair customer, a good colleague & great friend.
The access industry is a poorer place with his passing.
Deepest condolences to Mary & Lee at this very sad time.
Jim Longstaff
Clements Plant.
Jamesey
I was very sad to hear the news of Ted's passing. I would like to echo Glyn's comments. The industry has lost a true gent who was liked and respected universally throughout the industry.
Ian James
Bronto Skylift
Mark Carrington
I didn't know Ted till we met after he sold Alan Drew, and I asked him to come and work for Skyking. There are few people you meet in life that are thoroughly genuine and honourable but Ted was one of them. It's tragic that in a few short weeks a man who could so easily have retired and enjoyed his retirement should have his life taken away. Ted wanted to work after he sold Alan Drew and Skyking was the beneficiary of his knowledge and salesmanship. My thoughts are with Mary, Lee and Ted's family. He is a great loss to the Access industry.
Martin Cowley
It is incredibly sad that Ted's life has ended so soon and I cannot put into words how much I will miss him. Ted was a very positive person, with a ready smile. We started out together as colleagues when we joined Skyking and soon found ourselves as great friends. Even though Ted may be gone, his memory will live on in all of us forever. Many people will walk in and out of your life but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart. Sincere condolences to Mary and family.
Martin Cowley
Kinghighway Products
Alistair Jordan
Mary, Lee and all the family, our thoughts are with you all. A true gentleman, lovely genuine man, we will all miss him. I will raise a glass of malt to him tonight. Love and deepest sympathy from all at Rapid Platforms.
Our thoughts are with all the family at this very sad time. Ted was the true gentleman of the industry and will be a great miss. He never had a bad word for anybody and was respected and, more importantly, liked by all. RIP Ted.
Glyn Goodwin
Skyjack Europe