02.12.2014
Richard Steele 1949 - 2014
We have received the sad news that UK-based IPAF auditor Richard Steele passed away, aged 65, on Wednesday, November 26th, following a long fight with cancer.
Steele spent many years on the powered access rental business, having worked for both Facelift and A-Plant. He then joined IPAF as an IPAF and PASMA training auditor for the South of England.
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Richard Steele
Darren Verschuren of ALS Safety and chairman of the IPAF Training Committee said: “Richard Steele will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. In the 13 years that I was lucky enough to work with him -and call him my friend - I learned more from him than anyone else I have ever worked with. He was dedicated, professional, always looking at new ideas and potential opportunities, but always acting with integrity. Later on he took the role as the IPAF and PASMA auditor for the South and it was a role his manner and personality were suited for. I have heard from nearly everyone who he had dealings with that he turned the audits into something different, looking to help the training centre grow and improve, whilst still maintaining the quality required".
"As my friend, the best thing I can say about Richard is that he was an old-fashioned gentleman – kind-hearted, quick-witted and always there for advice when required or to help you prop up the bar. I will always treasure the times spent out with him and his wife Kate and his passing is a sad day for all who knew him.”
IPAF chief executive Tim Whiteman added: “Richard played a key role in changing the face of IPAF auditing, making it stand for straightforward, no-nonsense professionalism and quality, yet remaining customer-friendly and nurturing for growth. IPAF and its members grieve not only at the passing of a tremendous individual, but also for the loss his family suffers.”
The funeral will take place on Thursday, 11th December at 15:30 at Worthing Crematorium, Horsham Road, Findon, West Sussex, BN14 0RQ. A wake will be held further along the same road at Findon Manor Hotel. Those who wish to attend should e-mail Darren Verschuren, at
[email protected]
bob Buono
Sad news to hear of Richards passing, the few times I met him found him a gentleman to work with.
I had worked with Richard many times, and had some great advice and help from him when we had truly difficult times in the past. He always had a quick smile, and never seemed to bear a grudge, no matter what trials and tribulations he suffered. I am glad to have met him, and I learned a lot from him; and the world is a worse place without him. All at Elavation will miss him.
jim-longstaff
That's a real shame. Richard was a really lovely approachable guy who was a credit to IPAF.
RIP.