30.10.2018
David Lane 1947-2018
We have received the sad news that UK crane rental industry veteran David Lane has passed away following a short illness.
Lane began his crane career with G W Sparrows & Sons in the mid 1960s as a hire controller at the company’s Gloucester depot. In 1969 he was promoted to open a new depot for the company in Doncaster and quickly established himself in Yorkshire. His reputation grew to the point where he was recruited by Hewden Stuart, where he took on his first sales role. He was then asked to move to Stockton on Tees to open a new Hewden crane depot, where he was soon adopted as a ‘Teesider’, which in those days was no easy task for someone who was clearly identified as a southerner as soon as he opened his mouth and spoke. He even became a Middlesbrough supporter!
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David Lane
He went on to hold various senior sales roles, including opening a group sales office in London which played a key role in establishing Hewden - which in those days was predominantly a Scottish and North of England business - with the major industrial/petrochemical industry which was centred in London.
He retired in 2012 and has since enjoyed a number of trips, travelling with his wife Yvonne both in the UK and overseas, including Australia. He was diagnosed with cancer only a month ago and passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, surrounded by his family. He is survived by wife Yvonne, children Simon, Debbie, Becky and Emma along with four grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held on Monday 26th November at 12:00 in St Cyr's Church, Church Lane, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, GL10 3QP. The service will be followed by a celebration of his life at the Gloucester Rugby Club, Kingsholm, just as he had requested it, in the hope that everyone would meet up at the rugby ground to have a drink on him.
Family flowers only please. A donation can be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action, c/o Cooperative Funeral care, 26 High Street, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, GL10 2NA.
Ben Bevan
I had the pleasure of working with David during our times together in the Hewden Instant Access days. A lovely, warm man who had time for everyone. A great sense of humour and a great knowledge of the industry.
You will be greatly missed David, I have nothing but good memories of you. Rest in peace and much love to all of the family you have left behind.
Mabey76
I had the Sincere pleasure of working with David for 10 Years Plus at Hewden, David was a true gentleman who was always there with advice and guidance for us " youngsters" coming up and through the Industry, he had a wicked sense of humour once he got to know and trust you.
Sleep Well David - Thoughts and prayers to Yvonne and family.
Alan Huddart
I had the privilege of working with David for many years, often sharing the London flat and the house we had in Castleford with him as we both worked away from home extensively. He was a kind, thoughtful and very knowledgeable person and had a very strong work ethic.
A few more David Lanes in the industry today would make it somehow a much better place.
My sympathies to Yvonne and family
Jessie
I am truly devastated. David was my friend and colleague for 50 years. Worked together at South Elmsall for Sparrows and later in London for Hewden. My wife Iris was his PA and we were blessed with David and Yvonne's presence at our wedding. He was highly regarded throughout the industry evidenced by the comments made by so many of his friends and acquaintances. God bless you David and be with Yvonne and their children through this very difficult time.
Peter Stennett
It was very sad news to hear of David's passing. We shared many good years in the crane hire world. He will be sadly missed by all that knew him and my thoughts are with Yvonne and the family.
Craneboy
R.I.P Mr lane. A true professional and great all round gentleman.
We ended up sharing a huge suite once at a Spanish hotel with Hewden when we went on a CAT Training course. A decision that attracted many comments from our work pals but they ate their words when they saw our luxury. David was always there to help and advise. Another legend from our industry we will miss greatly.
steve-stennett46
RIP David, a true gentleman, work colleague and a friend. Deepest condolences to Yvonne and family.
Sherm
Mr. Lane?s dedication to the lndustry is most appreciable. My condolences to his wife and family. R. I. P. David.
Ray Ledger
Although it was expected it was with the greatest sadness that I learnt of David's passing on Sunday.
I knew David well for some 50 years, working with him for many years.
David was without doubt one of the nicest people you could wish to know. He was simply a gentle gentleman who in all the time I knew him not once did he ever make an unkind or derogatory comment of any human being.
Despite being a gentle man he was very successful in winning business in the tough crane hire sector not least because customers quickly grew to like and trust him. He also had the ability to establish and keep relationships with customers whether they be senior managers or steel erectors thus reflecting his humility.
As well as his love of his work David idolised his wife Yvonne and his enlarged family to whom I send my love and condolences at this sad time.
Rest in peace David
b
That's a shock. What a nice guy I knew David as. Always had lots of time for a chat and always great company. Its sad to see our generation passing away. I happy to read that he got a few good holidays in. My thoughts are with his family.