23.11.2022

Derek Gow 1969 - 2022

We have received the tragic news that Derek Gow, until recently the commercial director for the UK’s largest crane rental company Ainscough has died.
He passed away suddenly and prematurely on Friday, he was just 53 and leaves behind wife Michelle and his young son Lewis.
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Derek Gow

Born in Scotland, Derek Gow joined Ainscough just over eight years ago, having started out as a young salesman with Hilti Great Britain based in Scotland. He progressed through the ranks over the next 17 years or more becoming director of sales along the way. He then spent a year as group sales director with Vent-Axia before moving to asset management and maintenance company JLA as commercial sales director, where he possibly had his first contacts with the crane industry, leading to his move to Ainscough in 2014.

He left Ainscough just couple of months ago having made a big impression with all those he came into contact with, and seems to have adapted well to what is an industry with a difference. Shortly after his departure he said: “Hi everyone, after almost eight years I have moved on from Ainscough. I want to wish colleagues all the best for what will be a successful future. It's a fantastic business with a great team of ‘can do’ people. I plan to take a short break before taking on my next challenge. Watch this space!”

Derek Gow was a true professional, a people person who encouraged others and who enjoyed life to the full. He was a real gentleman, always consistent and polite even when under pressure. The crane and business world has lost one of the good ones.

Joanna Wilding, one of his colleagues from his time at Ainscough sums up the man better than we ever could, he is what she had to say.

“It is with my deepest sorrow that I share with friends and colleagues across the industry and my personal network, that our dearest colleague Derek Gow has sadly passed away. A true gentleman, full of integrity and a genuine passion for his work, his colleagues and clients. Derek was kind-hearted, caring, truly inspirational, encouraging, funny, and just truly the nicest person you could ever meet, he never stopped checking in on his team.”
“Derek adored his family and loved being able to be a part of everyday life at home, with a passion for his beloved Scotland and rugby, memories his son and wife will no doubt cherish.”

As soon as we have details of his funeral, we will add them to this report, in meantime our thoughts go out to the family.

Funeral details

Derek Gow’s funeral will be held on Friday 16th December
at 13:45 for a public service at
Crewe Crematorium
Badger Avenue
Crewe CW1 3JG

Followed at 15:00 with a celebration of his life at
Crewe and Nantwich RUFC
The Vagrants
Newcastle Road
CW5 7EP