Obituary: David Jackson

David spent his working life from the age of 16 at John Riddiough Timber Ltd in Colne, Lancashire where he was initially employed by Major Stanley Riddiough. Quickly rising through the ranks David became managing director and continued at the helm during several changes of ownership to Raab Karcher, JP Corry and Wolseley.

As a young hardwood rep I regularly called in to see David, but it was no chatting over a coffee in the warm office, I had to chase after him around the yard as he managed his staff and served his customers. Despite being a firm and astute buyer, David was always welcoming, friendly and polite to the rather green, young sales rep. Over time David became not just my best customer but also a really good friend.

David’s work ethic was legendary, starting work at 6.00am latest and never leaving the office before 6.00pm and of course he worked Saturday!!

The business under David’s leadership enjoyed considerable success and his own secret for that success was to spend much of his working day in the yard alongside his staff, ensuring his customers received unbeatable service each and every time. This was something of a conflict when the large corporate merchants took ownership, expecting their directors / general managers to sit behind keyboards tapping in reports all day. However, David’s profitability performance year on year ensured that he continued to do it his way!

David’s passion away from the business, after his family of course, was fly fishing for salmon and he was a director of The Clitheroe Angling Society for many years. I often met David on the banks of the River Ribble and despite his rather unorthodox style he was the most successful salmon fisherman I have known.

Alison, David’s wife, worked alongside him throughout his career, which made sense given the hours he worked and it was a joint decision in 2009 when they decided to take early retirement to spend more time with their family and grandchildren.

Above all else, David was a true gentleman of the highest standing, who treated each and every person he met with the same firm, yet polite and kindly manner.

I send my sincere condolences to his wife Alison and family. RIP “Jacko” xx