27.03.2015
Stuart Smith 1948 - 2015
We have received the news that Stuart Smith, the founder and past owner of Peterborough Crane Hire, has died, following a long battle with Cancer. He was 67.
Smith started the original Peterborough Crane Hire with the purchase of a 25 tonne crane, before building up a fleet of around 20 units over the years. The company ran into difficulties, and after the company ceased trading in the recent recession, he joined mini crane and crane service specialist JT Cranes.
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Stuart Smith
JT Crane has issued the following statement: “It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Stuart Smith. He was well known in the industry as being a true gentleman and will be greatly missed by all that knew him."
We do hope to obtain a little more information on his history in the crane industry and would be very happy to receive any reader input.
Funeral arrangements
Wednesday 15th April, at 1:30pm/13:30
Peterborough Crematorium, Mowbray Road,
North Bretton, Peterborough, PE6 7JE
The following information has just been received from a reader:
You asked for more information about the late Stuart Smith.
He served his apprenticeship as a plant electrician with Mitchell Construction Kinnear Moodie Group at Wharf Road, Peterborough. His elder brother Trevor also did an apprenticeship with Mitchells as a plant fitter.
As was usual at that time Stuart would have gone on electrical breakdowns on all manner of equipment, tower cranes, hoists and batching plants. When Mitchells went bust I am not sure if Stuart stayed on after Tarmac bought parts of the group, but I know that he later worked for Tarmac in Egypt on the Cairo Waste Water scheme.
He also worked for Dowmac Plant & Transport erecting Kroll and Pignon tower cranes all over the UK. Stuart worked in Saudi Arabia, later moving to Germany to run the German office, returning, I believe to buy a mobile crane and start Peterborough Crane Hire.
From when I first knew him he played electric guitar and was a member of local Peterborough rock bands with his son Nick, playing for many local charities and raising thousands of pounds. He was a member of the Peterborough Branch of the CMPE, becoming Branch Treasurer and Branch Chairman. He sponsored many youth football teams. He was generous with his time and interest.
Bob Nugent
tackb
one of the finest gentlemen I have ever been privileged to know as a friend
a sad sad day indeed.
A true gentleman in every sense of the word, taken too early and will be sadly missed by all who were privileged to know him. Stuart fought an illness for many years with little complaint, a brave man indeed. Rest in peace Stu.
Peter Burwell
A lovely guy with a great sense of humour, and an original Mod!! It's been a pleasure knowing you Stuart.
Terry Marnock
A true gentleman and always a pleasure to be in his company. It was so good to see and spend time with him at Vertikal last year. His warmth made me feel like a long lost brother.
Terry Marnock
alan stowell
Stuart was a great man and will be sadly missed by all the crane industry,the first time we meet was at katos in Sweden 1988 and stuart was fantastic on the stage playing his guitar,Dream .dream he brought the house with applause.Sad day!will always be my thoughts
trevor-jepson24
It was always a pleasure to meet and talk with Stuart. He would bring stories to life with anecdotes and some pretty good impersonations. One genuine good guy sadly missed.
Darren Jackson
Stuart was a such a great man to deal with. The industry has lost one of the best!!
Robert Nugent
I knew Stuart for over 40 years and he will be greatly missed by so many people whose lives he touched by his kindness, generosity and friendship. He really was one of the good guys. A true gentleman.
Crane01
So sad to here Stuart had passed away.
Always the gentlemen,such a nice man.
Sad news indeed . Stuart was a Gentleman in every sense of the word , a real loss to the Crane industry .
David Slack
A fantastic man, always had a professional approach to our Industry. A pleasure to deal with. He will be sadly missed.