03.10.2019
Colin Parks 1953-2019
We have received the sad news that UK veteran crane operator Colin Parks passed away last week. He was 66 years old.
With over 40 years of experience in the crane industry, Parks was described as a true gentleman and was described as always willing to help, something he did for many during his time in the industry.
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Colin Parks
He began his career as a motor mechanic, before joining a local building firm in Barrow-in-Furness, north west England, which happened to have an eight tonne Hydracon Masksman truck crane, which fuelled his passion for cranes. There he met a man named Gary, a career long friend who later persuaded Parks to join Hewden Stuart. After 40 years with Hewden, Ainscough Crane Hire - incidentally on its first 250 tonner then later its first 500 tonner - and latterly Weldex. During that time he worked his way up from the Hydracon to a 1,350 tonne Liebherr LR 11350 crawler crane.
He is survived by wife Rose, daughter Nicola and son Andrew.
His funeral will be held on 8th October at Barrow-in-Furness crematorium, commencing at 12:15.
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Sherm
My condolences to Rose, Nicola and Andrew. I pray God will support and blend your grief and love for Colin and for you. I wish I could have known him even though I'm across the pond.
Heppy
Very sad news and my thoughts and prayers are with Rose and family, Colin was a legend and we were very fortunate that he joined us at Crane Services and taught/showed us the way with our first LTM1500, looking back now I liken it to a football club getting a major signing, a real coup for us, RIP Colin and thank you for everything you taught me x
David Slack
My wife and I are very sad to hear the news of Colin's death. Colin worked for us at Crane Services and proved to be a capable, polite and honest employee. He was always willing to to meet the changeling requirements of hires anywhere in the country at short notice. He will be sadly missed. Our sincere condolences to his family at this very sad and difficult time.
Stey
Absolutely gutted to hear of this. Colin was an absolute legend, whether driving a mobile at Hewden, or a crawler at Weldex, you always knew you had a quality operator. Not a primadonna, an honest man who bestowed a wealth of knowledge upon young lads like myself coming through. I had the pleasure of working with Colin as green young kid, where he showed me how to operate a Coles Speedcrane and I had the ultimate pleasure of having Colin on the last job he carried out for Weldex, at the Port of Tyne Biomass storage facility. Colin, Cammy and a few of the lads going out to celebrate his retirement and my birthday. Thank you Colin, for the fun, the bollockings and the friendship