Duncan Richards – Obituary

Date: Monday 08 February 2021

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Duncan Allen Richards 16.07.1961 – 27.01.2021

EEC is saddened to announce that on Wednesday 27th January 2021, our Director of Sales, Duncan Richards passed away following a 3-year battle with Cancer. Towards the end of his battle he was also fighting a COVID-19 diagnosis. Duncan leaves behind his wife Karen, daughters Danielle and Francesca and his grand-daughter Bryony.

Duncan was well known, well loved and admired throughout EEC and the wider automotive industry. This is highlighted by the outpouring of respects that have come through since his passing and it is a delight to hear how many lives he has touched throughout his working life.

Duncan began his automotive career as a stock room boy in an exhaust distributor in Manchester back in the mid 70’s. Working with tireless enthusiasm and unwavering drive Duncan soon worked his way up the ranks and enjoyed a long stint as Managing director of another large exhaust distribution chain. Following this, in 2001, Duncan agreed to join the growing Catalyst manufacturer European Exhaust and Catalyst, under the leadership of John Clark. John had known Duncan back in his stock room days and subsequent management roles as he followed his career with a keen eye. He recognised Duncan’s attention to detail, ability to build relationships with his peers and customers and an obvious knack for Sales. As a result Duncan became EEC’s Director of Sales and soon became part of the EEC family.

Whether it was at work or at home Duncan was always active. Working tirelessly for long hours and always taking a challenge head on in his working life or cycling miles and miles across his beloved Derbyshire countryside. In 2011 Duncan even cycled from EEC’s midlands operation in Staffordshire to the Head office in Hampshire to raise money for a cancer charity that had looked after a close friend of his – 195 miles in 2 days!

Duncan also enjoyed renovating and spending any spare time he had at his 2nd residence in Northern France. Bought with renovation in mind, the resulting house was a joy for Duncan to visit where he always enjoyed good food and fine wines.

Duncan will be sorely missed by all his friends and colleagues at EEC and the wider customer base. Always smiling and always good humoured Duncan made a friend of whoever he met and would always put their needs ahead of his own. A true giant in the sales field, he will always be remembered with fondness and an abundance of good memories for whoever had the pleasure of meeting him both in the UK and across the rest of the Globe.

Duncan’s funeral service will be held at 14.45 on 18th February 2021 at Bramcote Crematorium and will be live streamed. The allocation of 30 attendees has been filled with family and friends and the family has requested family flowers only and for donations to be through a justgiving page for Duncan’s Hospice care. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/karen-richards26 

Duncan’s family would like to extend their thanks to all that have reached out to them, sent cards or flowers and shown their love and support at this sad time.

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