Obituary: Ian Mosley

Ian was one of the best known figures in timber pallets and packaging, working in the industry for more than 40 years in roles ranging from salesman to director.

He joined WH Shaw, for whom he worked twice, in 1972. He worked at Unit Pallets, also twice, Shaw Pallet Control (now known as Shaw Pallet Ltd) and more recently TWP Packaging.

Ian’s passion for the industry led him to serve on the executive committees of both the Timber Packaging Pallets Confederation (TIMCON) and the European Federation of Wooden Pallet and Packaging Manufacturers (FEFPEB) in Europe. He became president of TIMCON in 1993 until 1995.

He was part of the TIMCON team that negotiated UK`s entry into the EPAL European Pallet Pool and went on to become a director of (BREPAL) and a director in his own right of EPAL.

John Dye, President of TIMCON, said: “Ian was dedicated to the timber pallet and packaging industry, and worked tirelessly on its behalf. He was extremely well liked and respected by members of our industry across the world. He will be sadly missed not only in the UK and Ireland but also in Europe and places as far away as Canada, America, Australia and New Zealand.”

Ian was an avid Rugby Union fan and also played competitively up to the early 1980s. He leaves his wife Gill and two daughters Diane and Alison.

Graham Nicklin, who served alongside Ian at TIMCON, said:

“Ian was one of the good guys, sincere and genuine. He was loyal to his employers and valued greatly the colleagues that he worked with. Whatever their position in the company he always found time to listen or offer advice if needed.

“People speak about characters in the industry: Ian was much more than a character - he was a one off. Ian was the true gentleman of the industry and a true friend who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”