Douglas Southern, former chairman and managing director of MH Southern & Co Ltd, died on May 30. He was 88.
He retired in May 2003, after 66 years with the company. His father founded the business in 1913 and Douglas joined his father and older brother Harry in 1937. He spent six years in the Royal Artillery during the second world war.
Douglas Southern became chairman and managing director of MH Southern in 1979 following the death of his brother Harry. He was also chairman of the North East Timber Trade Association from 1973-1975 and the North-East Timber Trades’ Benevolent Society in 1956.
He is survived by his wife Marjorie and daughters Carole and Nicole.
