Obituary – Jean Kloos

Tributes to Jean Kloos have come from across the timber trade following her death, after a short illness, aged 54.

Jean, who was a former editor of TTJ and for the last decade handled public affairs and communications for TRADA, was well-known, respected and liked throughout the industry, described as having "unflagging energy" and a "passion for timber and the timber trade".

With a degree in French and German from Heriot Watt University, she began her career in 1979 as a sales executive with Lumber Products (Timber Agents) Ltd. Three years later she joined Benn Publications as assistant editor of TTJ. She was promoted to editor in 1986, a position she held for three years before becoming publisher of the company's timber group.

In 1991 Jean set up her own communications business, with clients including Norbord, the Timber Trades' Benevolent Society and Council of Forest Industries of British Columbia. In this time she was also membership development consultant and later communications manager for TRADA.

In 1994 Jean worked at Hunter Timber Group as corporate communications manager and then spent three years as a motoring writer at the Car & Driving agency.

In 2002 she returned to the timber industry as she became PR consultant to TRADA, a position she only relinquished due to illness in March.

Jean was a great supporter of the TTBS and in 1995 became national president - the first woman to do so since the charity was formed in 1897. She was also president of the London & Home Counties region for many years.

She devoted much of her spare time to her badminton club, as player, coach and committee member. She coached young players and handled the county trials for the Thames valley. She also helped found the Witchwood School of Rock in Shipton-under-Wychwood, a rock school for 6-18 year olds.

TTJ editor Mike Jeffree said Jean will be missed by all the current team at the magazine and in the wider industry.

"She was a skilled, professional journalist and communicator and hugely knowledgeable about the timber business, but she was also a good friend with an irrepressible sense of humour," he said.

TRADA marketing manager Rupert Scott also commented on her professionalism - "she never made an error of judgement" - and said she "genuinely loved the timber industry".

"In everything she did she was always so positive, and showed her enthusiasm and passion and that never ran out - she saw everything through rosewood-tinted glasses!" he said. "She was also a great host; always keen to chat and share a joke."

"I admired Jean for her cheerful disposition, friendliness and great passion for the timber trade," said Nick Taylor of Taylor Timber.

TTBS general manager Ivan Savage paid tribute to her contributions to the organisation and described her as a "kind and lovely person".

Following a private family cremation service, there will be a Service of Celebration for Jean’s life, followed by the interment of her ashes on Thursday May 10 at 3pm at St Simon and St Jude’s Church at Milton-under-Wychwood OX7 6LH. This will be followed by refreshments and a bar in a marquee on the village green which is about 200 yards from the church.