28.07.2015
Simon Wilkinson R.I.P
We have received the sad news of the premature death of UK equipment finance specialist Simon Wilkinson.
He died last night after a short illness, tragically after having only recently having beaten a bout of cancer and been given the all clear. He was just 58.
After returning back to work full time, helping man the Skyjack stand at Vertikal Days this year, he was later taken ill with an unusual form of brain disease, that quickly affected his short term memory and led on to other complications.
Simon Wilkinson has a long history in the crane and access industry and is clearly widely liked and respected, but he started off in finance working with Mercantile Credit and became one of the UK’s leading experts on leasing. As such he wrote an informative article for our magazine Cranes & Access back in 2002, covering the options available for financing capital equipment - see:
Money Money Money.
Quite how he made a connection with cranes and access equipment industry we do not know, but he quickly became an expert in the field, and trading as S&S Wilkinson Corporate Finance helped a whole range of companies find attractive funding to buy new cranes and aerial lifts, and financial support for other projects.
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Simon Wilkinson
Those who knew him well speak of his wisdom, his ability to help, his love of the challenging and quirky financial challenges, and the fact that he would 'never let you down' and that 'his solutions and assessments were always spot-on'. He leaves behind wife Sarah, two daughters and a son.
In recent weeks he has received tremendous support from the charity St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Eastbourne. The plan is for a private family burial, followed by an open memorial service and a reception for friends and colleagues to pay their respects and celebrate his life.
We will update this item as we receive more information and once the final funeral arrangements are made. In the meantime we are happy to receive any input and insights from those who knew him.
jeff eisenberg
Simon was a Gentleman, a courteous helpful professional with a positive attitude who always had time to listen and help. Very sorry he and his smile will no longer be with us, but we will remember him and his smile.
Deepest condolences to his family and many friends.
Ray Wells
I was very sorry indeed to hear the sad news about Simon. I know he had been ill for sometime, but he remained in good spirits when I last saw him at Virtikal Days in May.
Having a similar background & career in asset finance for many years,our paths crossed many times and we had a mutual respect & honour for each other.
My thoughts & prayers are with his family at this difficult time.
Ray wells
I echo everything that has been said about Simon.
He helped us in so many ways, used equipment values and finding funding in darker times. He was always respectful, modest, polite and helpful.
When I saw him at Vertikal days this year I thought, 'what man would have driven 250 miles with such serious health issues?' Not a man to give in eh?
He will be sorely missed.
Condolences to his wife and family from all at Lifterz.
Jamesey
Simon was a true gentlemen. Always had a smile and offered sound advice. Echoing other comments that it is a very sad day for the industry.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Simon's family.
Regards
Ian James
Bronto Skylift
I'm sorry to hear of Simon's passing, When I started in business he offered support guidance and an ability to source finance solutions where others failed, which continued throughout. My condolences to his wife and family.
Very sad to hear the passing of Simon. A true genuine gentleman who had great connections.
He managed to source solutions to our Finances over the past 15 years.
Always able to find time to help with the best deal and give valued advice within the crane industry.
I will personally miss being able to pick up the phone for his advice and knowledge.
My deepest sympathy to his wife and family.
Regards
Graham Witts-Davies
We had the pleasure of working with Simon over many years and we can only offer our thoughts and prayers to Simons family. You find out a lot about people when things get tough; Simon would always stand and offer help and advice and a constructive word at the darkest times. He will be sadly missed.
David Slack
A very sad day for the Industry and his family and friends. My condolences to his wife and family. Simon, as already has been said, always went that extra mile and was always happy to help. We enjoyed many years involving him in many transactions. He always had an innovative idea up his sleeve to pull a deal together. He helped us greatly when we purchased the 50% shares from the Dickey family giving us sole ownership of Nationwide Crane Hire.
A great bloke who will be sadly missed by all.
Regards David and Sue Slack
trevor-jepson24
Simon knew his stuff and would always get a good deal.
He also went the extra mile to help us out when our bank made things difficult.
Always looked forward to his visits. A great man who we will miss.
Condolences to his wife and family.
It is so sad to hear that Simon has passed away particularily at such a tender age.
Above all I admired Simon's attention to detail and his ability to raise finance whilst others struggled.
I send my deepest sympathy to his wife and family.
Regards
Ray Ledger
The sad passing of an extremely nice guy. Our deepest condolences to all his family