Bruce Blything, co-founder and managing director of Industrial Pesticides (NW) Ltd, in Liverpool, died on December 20 at Arrowe Park Hospital, aged 83.
He was a perennial figure, described by many as quite a character, always to be seen at exhibitions and events, especially throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Mr Blything started his career at pharmaceutical company Arton Saunders, moving on to Wellcome Foundation, where he made many industry connections and friends who spanned a lifetime.
When Wellcome withdrew from the Pest Control market, he decided to establish Industrial Pesticides (NW), along with Stan Dodgeson of ICS Group.
The business held main agency distributorships for the principal manufacturers for many decades, serving customers across the UK, from local authorities to grain producers who valued his knowledge, loyalty and dedication.
Mr Blything took an active role in the trade associations, sitting on BPCA’s Manufacturers & Distributors Committee for many years and he also kept involved with the NPTA.
He retired and the business was sold to Essex Environmental (later SX) in 2011, which, after several consolidations through P&L Systems, now forms part of the Pelsis portfolio.
Mr Blything enjoyed a long and happy retirement, volunteering at Ness Botanical Gardens, playing golf and rekindling his musical abilities as a jazz saxophonist. He enjoyed especially his two grandchildren, Adam and Will, who he took great delight in, watching them grow and explore the world.
The industry’s thoughts are with his widow Doreen, sons Martin and Philip and the family.
The funeral service will take place at Blacon Crematorium Chester on Monday, January 27, at 1.20pm.