Alan Osborne Grant, chairman of W Howard Ltd, died on September 15.
Mr Grant joined his family timber importing business, JO Grant & Co Ltd, in 1956 at the age of 16. After a short spell with Illingworth Ingham’s, he bought W Howard Ltd in 1969. Initially a timber importer and merchant, the business changed direction in 1995 to become one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of primed MDF mouldings.
Although Mr Grant stepped down from the day-to-day running of the company seven years ago, he continued as chairman and always showed great interest and offered valuable advice in the development of the company. He will be sadly missed by all at W Howard’s.
Mr Grant is survived by his wife Barbara, daughter Emma, son Jonathan, and four grandchildren.
