Rodney English

It is with much sadness that we wish to inform you of the passing of J. R. (Rodney) English.

In the eyes of many he was possibly one of the greatest and most charismatic sales managers we have had the privilege to know and work with, a friend to many, loved and respected by all, a true Yorkshire man with a sharp wit and dry sense of humour.

Rodney joined OCL in 1968 from McGregor Gow and Holland in Bradford. He was the first marketeer (original name for salesmen) employed by OCL North East region in 1968. He later became Regional Sales Manager Leeds, followed by Regional Sales Manager Liverpool, and at the time of his retirement he was Regional Sales and Office Manager Leeds. 

As Mike Seymour kindly wrote of Rodney: 

“Rod was one of my favourite people in OCL and I am very sad to hear this news. He was not only a lovely 

human being but also a great example to us young people in the company (those were the days!) of how to respect and 

work with our colleagues and customers too“

Our thoughts are with his wife Audrey, and his two daughters Karen and Debbie and their families.

Rodney’s funeral will take place at 12 noon on Wednesday, 4th February  at St Marys Parish Church, 38 Church Lane, Mirfield, WF14 9HX, West Yorkshire for a celebration of his life, with a private internment for the family at Huddersfield Crematorium, after which those attending are invited to Elland Golf Club, at, Hammerstone Leach Lane, Elland, West Yorkshire, HX5 0TA

If you would like to make donations, Audrey and the family have requested, and would appreciate, any donations made to go to the charity Dementia UK, there will be a collection for the charity at the church service.  

For anyone who would like to make a donation on line Rodney’s Grandson has set up a just giving page for which the link is

https://www.justgiving.com/James-Johnson24

Please pass this information on to everyone who knew Rod. 

Many thanks, 

Derek Sutcliffe