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I remember thinking when my ex's father died it was not just the loss of the man it was the loss of all the knowledge he had.
He had started his business in the 50's when the country was still recovering from WW2 – Certain things were just not available to buy even if you had the money.! This meant a lot of equipment had to be mended, adapted or made from scratch. He was a hard 'mans-man' who became very successful through hard work and determination. Possessed a sense of humor like a naughty schoolboy with a catapult in his pocket. But he was also so generous it could be embarrassing. I am no longer with his daughter but I still miss that man.!
He was also a very good educator of the youth. Spending lots of time explaining and giving free advice (via the use of colouful language and stories) There was always something interesting in the yard, be it a job on his full size traction engine or the simple rebuild of his lawn mower engine. – That yard was a magnet for like minded people both young and old and for many a great center of education, fun and humor.
The world is running out of such places and characters and IMHO is becoming much a poorer place for it.!
And yes, all his gear ended up in auction.
So much gear he had accumulated over the years that a separate auction was held in one of his fields. – A sad, sad day.
Nick
Edited By Nick_G on 28/06/2014 10:39:28