Sir John R.I.P.
I was very sad to hear today of the death of Sir John Harvey-Jones. However, here was a life fulfilled.His education was via a distinguished career in the Royal Navy before turning industrialist and working his way through the ranks of ICI to become a rather unlikely leader of the company,when other industries were being led by sleek city whiz kids.
He became, of course, a national treasure with his trademark moustache and rumpled baggy suits.
He was never afraid to speak out ,memorably saying, for example,that if anybody believed Britain’s future lay in an economy of smock dressed employees guiding tourists around they must be mad.
He did much to further the interests and concerns of local bodies in Mid Wales–of Clyro where he lived and where I first met him and of Gwernyfed Rugby Club( indeed I have just heard Peter Weavers of the rugby club paying tribute to Sir John on Radio Wales) as well as a range of rural interests.
He was immensely popular locally and nationally and always good fun.
He will be greatly missed.
