Richard Ashley Carter February 2nd 1935 – March 29th 2015
It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Ashley Carter, Tecalemit Sales Manager from 1987 and still working in a consultative role at the time of his death on March 29th 2015.
Richard was a much-loved and respected colleague, mentor and friend whose encyclopaedic knowledge of the automotive industry left many in awe.
For a large part of his career with Tecalemit, Richard specialised in turnkey projects, designing and fitting out new workshop facilities with compressed air, lubrication and fume extraction systems to work alongside the workshop tools and equipment manufactured by Tecalemit.
Richard’s career in the garage equipment industry began in 1967 with Kismet Ltd. of Bedford. There are many colourful tales of his time with Kismet, but he was renowned for his prolific ability to sell workshop equipment. In 1980, Kismet was acquired by Laycock Engineering. Among the principal assets was Richard, or ‘RAC’ as many of us knew him. Laycock Engineering was, in turn, acquired by Tecalemit in 1987, and Richard moved seamlessly into the Tecalemit sales organisation undisturbed by the changes going on around him.
Richard continued. Working in his ever-gentle manner, generating reams of handwritten correspondence to clients, suppliers, and colleagues, Richard’s letters and notes became famed throughout the business. Richard had an easygoing charm that eased him through the most difficult negotiations. No one who worked with him can recall even the slightest loss of composure, never a raised voice, and challenges always dealt with complete calm and professionalism.
After his ‘official’ retirement in 2000, Richard went straight back to work after a two-week holiday in his new consultant role, and he continued this association until his passing.
We all have fond memories of Richard, and we send our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Richard’s funeral will be held on the 24th of April at 2.45 pm at Crownhill Crematorium & Cemetery
Dansteed Way, Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK8 0AH
Philip Cledwyn
Sales & Marketing Director Tecalemit