Comms Dealer is sad to report the death of channel legend David George. Formerly founder of Crane Distribution and latterly Chairman of Pragma Distribution, David was one of the most respected figures in channel history and his passing will be met with much sadness by the hundreds of comms resellers he has supported for many years.
David fought a long battle with cancer but passed away peacefully at a hospice in Sussex yesterday. He was 73.
Comms Dealer Editorial Director Nigel Sergent said: "David was the king of service-led distribution to the comms channel and set standards for others to follow. He was a consummate professional, a superb business leader and above all, a thoroughly nice man and he will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him."
A private family funeral will take place later this month but a memorial service is being planned and details will be posted on this website once arrangements have been confirmed.
Comms Dealer would value tributes via Twitter, Facebook or email to
nsergent@bpl-business.com
To find out more about David's illustrious channel career click here
TRIBUTES
We are deeply saddened by the news of David’s passing and our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and relatives. David was key in establishing the LG brand in the UK market at a time when LG was not a recognised brand. He did this the only way David knows how, with a high dose of integrity and hard work peppered with fun and laughter. We will all miss him greatly.
Ahed Alkhatib, VP Global Sales, Ericsson-LG Enterprise
I am so sorry to hear of the very sad passing of David, a true gentleman of our industry. Our thoughts and wishes are with his family, from all at Incom Business Systems.
David Hughes, Managing Director, Incom Business Systems
From the first time I met David his infectious smile and gentlemanly demeanour had an immediate positive impact on me. The business world can be heartless and without compassion but David stood for fairness and the forces of good practice. His sense of fairness and justice while in pursuit of business success was exemplary and outstanding. Like most, I was inspired just by being in his company.
Bahman Rahimi, CEO, BDR Voice & Data Solutions
Many of us knew David for over 25 years and through him a great number of friendships and bonds were formed. It is fair to say that The Concert Group would never have existed without David’s influence. He had an extraordinary ability to build both commercial and personal relationships with those he knew, and the industry was enriched by his presence. Something to be very to be proud of. We will miss him.
Jonathan Sawyer, Taurus Clearer Communication, on behalf of The Concert Group
Like many others I knew David for over 25 years and it was an absolute pleasure to do business with him and a privilege to call him my friend. Like many of you, I could go on for hours recalling the memories of the various DG trips that I have enjoyed with David over so many years, and I often recall the memories and have a laugh to myself. What great times we had, with memories that will last a lifetime. There is no doubt the industry and his many friends will recognise the great loss of David George, otherwise known as Sir David. God bless you David.
Tom Cullen, Managing Director, Digitel Europe
When David spotted an opportunity he game-changed the industry – such was his vision. He was a man, who in recent times, knew that he was battling once again with Father Time, yet always found the time for others. The passing of a true gentleman and an industry giant. He will be missed by one and all, but never forgotten.
David Wardell, Managing Director, Evoke Telecom
I am so sad to hear of David's passing. He was instrumental in Future Telecoms' success and a true leader of people. A very sad day for the industry.
Gary Allsopp, Founder, Future Telecom
I have had the honour and pleasure of working with David for many years. He always challenged, inspired and motivated me and I owe him a great deal. David built a reputation in the UK telecoms channel for being fair, honest and easy to do business with, a legacy we are all charged with continuing at Pragma. His loss has affected us all deeply, but we are comforted by the many messages of affection and support we’ve received from so many who also cared about David.
Tim Brooks, Managing Director Pragma Distribution
David will be remembered fondly by all who worked for and with him. Many of us owe our current careers and in my case my wife and family to the time spent at Crane.
Craig Walden, Big Beach Marketing
Great sadness at the loss of David. A great man, great boss and best friend. Will miss him very much and my thoughts are with his family.
Denise Drew, Former Director Crane Telecommunications
Really lovely guy. Sad day.
Andrew Dickinson, Jola
I will miss David so very much it hurts, but I have so many happy memories and they can never be taken away. I have friendships created by David that will remain for life and always serve to remind us all of his ethics, hard work and above all else his sense of fairness to everyone around him. See you when I get there my friend, and rest in peace.
Dave Corgat, Managing Director, Rainbow
David was a real champion of the industry. He led the way as a hands-on distributor, keen to support the smallest of businesses as much as the largest. The support from Crane to the reseller channel was second to none and enabled so many people, businesses and relationships to grow. Out of those relationships came friendships and good times which I will always cherish and be thankful for. I will miss him.
Bruce Sutherland, Operations Director, Carritech
28 years ago I was a frustrated product manager for National Telephone Systems when David approached me and offered me the chance to expand my role working directly for him – how lucky was I. David became my mentor, developing my skills and business knowledge, putting this to a test when in April 1990 he suggested that we should set up a UK distributor for LG – the rest is history. David gave me the start in life most never get. I will always be in his debt, he was a true friend through thick and thin, he praised when deserved but gave me a big kick when required. David you will always be part off my life rest in peace.
Tracy Jackson, MD, ETS Communications
I first met David when I was employed by Crane as a Sales Support engineer. I found him to be a kind, generous and understanding man – a true gentleman. He will be sadly missed by all. My thoughts and prayers go out to David’s family.
Paul Norton, Managing Director, Comms2Comms