William (Bill) Boulton, chairman of AF & D Mackay Ltd, died recently after a short illness.
Mr Boulton came up “the hard way’, leaving school at 13 and starting work at Liverpool Docks measuring logs. Here he gained recognition for hard work and business acumen.
He joined Edward Challoners in 1948 and was made director of its softwood agency division. He spent several successful years there before joining Mackays in 1963.
Mr Boulton worked at Mackays as sales director before being promoted to managing director in 1980. In 1987 he realised his life-long ambition when he became co-owner of the company, along with his son Martin.
He served as chairman for 25 years, until his death.
During his career Mr Boulton travelled extensively throughout Canada, Scandinavia and Ireland, promoting their sawmill products. He referred to Ireland as his “happy hunting ground” and made many friends there over the years.
He was a keen sportsman, having played football for Liverpool boys and cricket for the Hightown Club. He was a life-long Evertonian.
Mr Boulton is survived by Joyce, his wife of over 50 years, his daughter Angela and his three sons, Stephen, Martin and Philip.
