Obituary - Bill Allan
7 January 2014Mr Allan began his career in the timber industry by joining James Donaldson & Sons when he left school. He started work on the same day as George Donaldson, father of the current chairman and chief executive, Neil Donaldson, which began a lifelong friendship.
Mr Allan initially gained general office experience in wages and ledgers and worked at the company until he was called up in 1944, when he joined the Black Watch. He always maintained he became the youngest sergeant major in the Black Watch. He spent time in India, including service with the Indian Airborne Division, which was quite ironic as before joining the Black Watch he trained with the Air Training Corps and on sitting his simulator assessment he flew perfectly, unfortunately, he was well below sea level and it was suggested that he would be safer on submarines!
After being demobbed in 1947, Mr Allan returned to Donaldson's, then in 1951 he joined timber agent Pharoah Gane, where he became manager in 1955. In 1969 he was made a director but, when a move to London was required, he left Pharoah Gane and established William R Allan in 1972. He was joined by Ian Litster, who worked with him for over 40 years.
Mr Allan remained at the helm until his retirement in 2001.
During his career Mr Allan travelled extensively in Scandinavia, Russia, North and South America and many business acquaintances became firm friends. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all who knew him.
He was an active and widely-respected member of the Scottish Timber Trade Association, serving on its executive committee for many years, and as president from 1986-88. His presidency introduced a "breath of fresh air" to the Association's work, which reflected the changing nature of business.
Mr Allan's wife Jenny died in 1998 and he is survived by his daughter, Lesley, son-in-law Bob, who continues in the business, and his grandchildren Jen and Neil.
