We have received the sad news that UK crane industry veteran George Davis has died.
He passed away in hospital on Friday 25th September, he was 77. He leaves behind three children, Gareth, Gavin and Deborah along with several grandchildren.
George Davis
George Davis began his crane career in or around 1973 with BCHC - British Crane Hire Corporation/ previously Richards & Wallington, one of the UK’s leading crane companies of the time. His first job with the company saw him on the hire desk, taking calls and bookings and helping with the daily schedule for the local fleet.
Over the next decade or two he worked with Baldwins Crane Hire where he was appointed regional heavy cranes director. He also had a couple of spells with Ainscough Crane hire, the first time round he was national heavy crane sales manager.
Then in mid 2002 he set up his own business which he called Crane Advisory Services, which he described as “a one stop advisory service to contractors and crane hirers covering all aspects of lift operations, including site surveys, method statement, risk assessment, lifting tackle arrangements, CAD drawings and the supply of crane supervisors and slingers.”
The following year Cranes & Access magazine interviewed him about his new venture. The article is still on line and can be viewed by Clicking here.
2003 interview with C&A
Towards the end of 2010 he returned to Ainscough as sales & technical manager for several of its divisions. In late 2015 as his 67th birthday approached he retired.
A few years later he came back to the industry he loved, working part time in a sales role with DM Cranes and in 2023 he started working part time with crane mats supplier GJ Bogmats.
At the wheel of a Jag, one of which had the registration JI8B UP
Funeral arrangements
His funeral will be held on Friday the 23rd of October at 13:15 at Dewsbury Crematorium Heckmondwike Road Dewsbury, WF133PL, and afterwards at Batley Nash WF17 5DL.
A statement from his children said: “We are trying to get an idea of all the people who wish to attend dads funeral and invite all that knew him and want to pay their respects to join us and celebrate his life with us. The wake will probably start at 2:30 onwards”
“If you could please message either of us on Facebook if you wish to attend the funeral or if you are going to be coming afterwards to celebrate his life, so that we have a rough idea of numbers attending and for the food afterwards.”
“If anyone is travelling from afar and would wish for details for hotels for the night please get in touch and we can recommend a few locally.”
“We hope to see as many there as possible to celebrate the life our great father.”
paul-richards43
Sad to hear this news, fond memories of spending time with George at various crane shows in in the '80's.
RIP George, I'm drinking a toast to you this evening
The Force
George gave me my first ever job in the crane hire game back in 1976 on a 6t Iron Fairy Onyx at the ripe old age or 17 for a company called P&H crane hire of which Peter Ellis was a partner.
Then we moved onto Cumbria Crane Hire, a spin off of Martin Ainscough, Martin probably being one of Georges closest friends outside of his family.
We once again joined each other at Griffiths Crane Hire ( Barrow Depot ) Griffiths were part of Hewden Stuart when they all kept their own name, George was depot manager answering to Joe Murray and Bob Clues, Then finally we were together again at Ainscough Crane Hire, in the good days when the brothers ran things. Right up to George Leaving and going his own way.
We had a fantastic 50 year friendship sharing many mutual friends in the industry, probably mainly Andrew Winter, These guys were true Crain Brain's !!! I used to call in to see George at his lovely apartment in Dewsbury we would get a takeaway and a few bottles and most of the time stay up half the night reminiscing.
On one occasion I had to be in Hull for 07:00am and were still sat there chatting at 05:15am ( no sleep that night ).
I have been truly saddened since receiving the sad new from Andrew on that Friday evening, and although the funeral of George will be a sad day for many, I am sure he will be watching over us all on the day and making sure we will give him a great send off, I think Hard Hats should be compulsory for the wake, coz by gum there will be some bloody hook blocks swinging.
Heavies
George, A well known character in the crane hire industry, he had a wealth of knowledge, knew his cranes inside out and was a natural salesman. A great colleague, a good friend and a character who will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by many. RIP George.
paul-richards43
Sad to hear this news, fond memories of spending time with George at various crane shows in in the '80's.
RIP George, I'm drinking a toast to you this evening
The Force
George gave me my first ever job in the crane hire game back in 1976 on a 6t Iron Fairy Onyx at the ripe old age or 17 for a company called P&H crane hire of which Peter Ellis was a partner.
Then we moved onto Cumbria Crane Hire, a spin off of Martin Ainscough, Martin probably being one of Georges closest friends outside of his family.
We once again joined each other at Griffiths Crane Hire ( Barrow Depot ) Griffiths were part of Hewden Stuart when they all kept their own name, George was depot manager answering to Joe Murray and Bob Clues, Then finally we were together again at Ainscough Crane Hire, in the good days when the brothers ran things. Right up to George Leaving and going his own way.
We had a fantastic 50 year friendship sharing many mutual friends in the industry, probably mainly Andrew Winter, These guys were true Crain Brain's !!! I used to call in to see George at his lovely apartment in Dewsbury we would get a takeaway and a few bottles and most of the time stay up half the night reminiscing.
On one occasion I had to be in Hull for 07:00am and were still sat there chatting at 05:15am ( no sleep that night ).
I have been truly saddened since receiving the sad new from Andrew on that Friday evening, and although the funeral of George will be a sad day for many, I am sure he will be watching over us all on the day and making sure we will give him a great send off, I think Hard Hats should be compulsory for the wake, coz by gum there will be some bloody hook blocks swinging.
RIP my mate all my love from Gary Charnley.
Heavies
George, A well known character in the crane hire industry, he had a wealth of knowledge, knew his cranes inside out and was a natural salesman. A great colleague, a good friend and a character who will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by many. RIP George.