It is with great sadness that I write this notice in memory of Ron Waite who passed away on January 5th but also with such fond memories of the man who founded Altec and worked tirelessly to build the business from the ground up.
Ron was born on 5th June 1936 and lived a full and healthy life for almost 85 years but life isn’t measured in time alone, you measure it by, among many things; your positive impact in the world, the good deeds you do, your achievements and the many people you interact with throughout your life and Ron most certainly had a positive impact on so many people along the way.
Having founded Altec Engineering Ltd in March 1978, initially working from an old abattoir in Coxhoe, before moving to the current site in Bowburn in 1988, Ron developed the business over the years and was respected throughout the local business community.
In his tenure, Ron provided employment for hundreds of people – many of whom hold him in the highest regard, some having worked for Altec throughout their working careers.
I myself, was given a start by Ron as an apprentice at 16-year-old and was nurtured by him during my early career and could not have asked for a better beginning to my career, nor a better mentor to look up to.
As a result of his business success, Ron was awarded an MBE for Services to Industry from the Queen in 1993 which was very well deserved, a huge personal achievement and a very proud day for all his family.
Ron retired in 2000 and with his wife Josie, travelled around the world and enjoyed their well-earned happy retirement, but he always found time for regular visits to Altec and was always on hand to offer much appreciated advice and guidance whenever he could.
Ron was an ordinary man who had an extraordinary life and will be missed by all who knew him.
Rest in Peace Ron.