It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Raymond Skelhon following a short illness. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family.
Ray started the business in 1961 alongside his father – just a small petrol station on Woodway Lane. In 1972, the company moved to its present location and diversified into vehicle recovery and gritting for the local council. In 1979 Ray wrote to a company in America called Whelen Engineering, looking for a lightbar for a newly acquired recovery vehicle – the rest, as they say, is history.
Over the years Ray developed friendships with customers and suppliers both in the UK and overseas. He often spoke fondly of his visits and was always touched by the warm welcome he was given. Ray always enjoyed receiving visitors here at Woodway, and was incredibly proud of the many positive comments he received about the organisation and cleanliness of the factory.
Ray was a loving husband, father and grandad, and a good, kind man – well respected by family, friends and colleagues.
He has left behind his legacy – Woodway Engineering – the company he founded and grew. Woodway will continue on into the future in line with his family’s wishes, following the same values on which the company was founded in the early days. Ray was always passionate about the products he sold, building the company reputation for quality and service that will continue long into the future.
Raymond John Skelhon
24/07/31 – 05/09/20