19.05.2016

Paul Bidwell 1957 – 2016

We have received the shocking and sad news that Paul Bidwell, long time marketing manager for Manitou in the UK, has died suddenly.

We understand that he felt unwell last Friday and took a day off work and having gone to sleep that night never woke, having passed into a coma and then passed away. He was just 58 and seemed in good health at recent industry exhibitions. He leaves wife Rosemary and children James and Holly and step children Dan and Joanne.
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Paul Bidwell

Paul Bidwell has been a ‘fixture’ at Manitou UK as long as most can recall, he joined the company in 1988, having previously worked for Poclain. He was polite and courteous, always ready for a gentle laugh - although he had a somewhat challenging sense of humour at times - but in spite of seeming to be gentle and easy going, he could never be pushed.
It took a while to get to know him, he was not the type that would give you his life story within minutes of meeting – you really had to work at it. But as you did get to know him he grew on you. Some of the things that might initially have frustrated you about him, eventually became endearing aspects of his personality that you would not want him to have changed.

Most, if not all, of us at Vertikal, both in the UK and Germany knew Paul fairly well and are deeply saddened to hear of his premature passing, we will miss him.

His funeral will be held on Tuesday 24th May at 15.30 pm at Poole Crematorium with reception to be held at the Bridge House Hotel, Longham, Ferndown. If you are hoping to attend the service or the reception afterwards you can register on the funeral director’s web site by clicking here

The family has also requested that in lieu of sending flowers a donation can be made in Paul’s name to charities that they have selected. click here to go to the donation site where you can also leave a message