Denis Holland, one of the timber trade’s best known personalities, has died after a long illness.
He joined the Forestry Commission after the war, gained a love of wood and soon started passing that on through teaching evening classes. In 1953 he joined Burt, Boulton & Haywood. When Burts & Renton were formed in 1960, he was appointed sales manager and rose to director, a post he held until he retired in 1987.
Apart from his acute business sense, he will be remembered for his distinctive appearance and frequent laughter. He had wide-ranging interests including music and antiques, but perhaps most importantly he will be remembered for encouraging his employees to develop their true potential, even though that might not have been in the company’s immediate interests. He had an open-door policy and encouraged people to share their highs and lows, pleasures and grumbles.
He enjoyed life to the maximum and leaves his wife of 30 years, Monica, to whom he was absolutely devoted.
