Former Timber Trades’ Benevolent Society (TTBS) national president Dick Middleton died on August 13.
Although originally from Yorkshire where he worked for Horsley Smith of Skipton (Timber Importers) as its technical representative for east Lancashire and west Yorkshire, Mr Middleton was probably best known for his work as regional officer for TRADA for the western counties from 1963-1984 where he was instrumental in arranging courses and lectures in many areas, including Truro, St Austell, Exeter, Barnstable, Plymouth, Taunton.
Always interested in sport and education, Mr Middleton was secretary of Skipton Rugby Club from 1946-1963 and a governor of Ermysted’s Grammar School, Skipton from 1959-1963. His interest in sport continued when he moved to Exeter in 1963 where he joined Lympstone Sailing Club and where he was membership secretary from 1970-1996, becoming president in 1998. He also worked hard for The Lions Club in Exeter and was president from 1972-1974.
He was deeply involved with the TTBS throughout this time, being western counties district chairman and a member of the national board of management from 1986 to the time of his death. He was TTBS national president in 1996. He looked after the interests of the TTBS beneficiaries in the Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, travelling thousands of miles visiting beneficiaries and applicants for aid. He was always available on the end of the phone to beneficiaries with a crisis.
He will be sadly missed by the TTBS and its beneficiaries in the West Country.
