22.04.2013
Rab Paterson 1931-2013
We have received the sad news that UK access industry veteran Rab (Ralph Andrew Bruce) Paterson passed away last Monday – April 15th.
Aged 81, he had been suffering from ill health for some time, but died suddenly of heart attack on Monday morning.
His involvement in the powered access industry goes back to its earliest days when he worked as a director for SGB in its Show and Exhibition division. He moved on to selling Marklift aerial work platforms and later joined rental company Scott Greenham as Southern region director.
Please register to see all images
Rab Paterson
He remained with the business after it was acquired by BET Plant Services and merged with PTP, becoming operations director of PTP Aerial Platforms. He later worked on a consultancy basis for Universal Aerial Platforms in Park Royal and finally for Facelift Access in Hickstead.
He leaves behind wife Bridget, children Robert and Katherine and grandson Jonathan. He was a very popular individual as the emails and calls to the office this morning have confirmed. He worked with many of the UK access industry’s senior managers and owners, particularly during his Scott Greenham and PTP days. His passing will be mourned by many – he will be missed.
The funeral service will be held at Randalls Park, Crematorium, Leatherhead, Surrey, at 10.15 am, on Friday, April 26th . Attendees are invited to join the family at the Preston Cross Hotel, Rectory Lane, Bookham KT23 4DY.
Family flowers only - donations in memory of Rab for the British Heart Foundation should be sent to Sherlock Funeral Service. Trellis House. 190 South Street. Dorking. RH4 2ES
I first met Rab in 1983 when we decided to develop an access business to complement the core crane operation in Scott Greenham.
Unlike the rest of us as crane people Rab had an indepth knowledge of access and was never reluctant to share his vision and of course he was correct.
When BET acquired Scott Greenham in 1987 we were given a brief to create a major access business by acquiring several access operations the most prominent being PTP. Rab made a major contribution to that strategy. He knew everybody and everything about access and I for one listened.
Above all Rab was simply a very genuine and likeable man of the highest integrity and I send my sincere condolences to his wife and family.
Ray Ledger
Les Warren
RAB was one of the nicest people you could ever meet. Whether you were a Director at head office or an apprentice working in the depot cleaning machines RAB treated all people with the same respect. His advice, encouragement and leadership furthered the careers of many people working in the Access industry today.
He will be sadly missed.
Les Warren.
RAB was a true gent; raconteur, knowledgeable,committed to the growth of the rental industry and always ready to help anyone out
Deepest sympathy to his family
Those of us with long memories can raise a glass to a special man
best wishes
Mike Evans
RAB was a great work colleague and a credit to the access industry. We spent many a night ,with a few beers and some tall industry tales involved, staying local to Alfreton before board meetings in the PTP / BET days.
Deepest sympathy to all the family.
John Mather