Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.

News > Passing of friends > Alastair Hope Robertson (1967F) | 1949 - 2019

Alastair Hope Robertson (1967F) | 1949 - 2019

Alastair Hope Robertson (1967F) | 1949 - 2019
 
A message we received from a friend and work colleague, Gregory Bloom read:

We heard the devastating news this morning that access industry veteran Alastair Robertson, owner of Universal Equipment in Glenn Ellyn, near Chicago passed away last night in hospital, following several weeks of illness. 

Alastair Robertson was born in South Africa and studied in the UK and then in the early 1980s moved to the USA where he began working in a sales role with Simon, Economy Engineering and Snorkel before moving to Grove Manlift in Pennsylvania as a key member of its senior North American sales team. From there he worked with a number of aerial lift manufacturers including Skyjack, and on a dealer basis with Niftylift and Aichi among others before setting up his own aerial work platform sales business Universal Equipment in 1998.

He suffered a stroke and underwent a major heart operation some 10 to 12 years or so ago, but bounced back and continued to work and travel more than many half his age. He would pop up at exhibitions from China to France, the UK and all over Asia, keeping an eye out for a new product or innovation. He loved the industry and most of all the people. He knew everyone and was a huge source of knowledge and information and sometimes a little gossip - but was much loved on a truly global basis. He will be truly missed all over. He was a man you simply could not but like. He had a great sense of humour, a smile and a laugh that would light up the room and always had time to stop and talk. He lived life to the full and was never too busy to talk or listen.

He leaves behind his wife Beth and sons Glenn, Struan and Brent, and daughter Keri. Glenn and Brent not only joined him in the business but helped move it forward, something he was always very proud of. He was only 69. 

We will of course update this item with a more fitting tribute to one of life’s good guys once we have had the chance to speak to the family etc... 

Rest in peace Alastair.

Similar stories

ODs from the classes of the 1960's at The Mitre

On a beautiful autumn day on Thursday 17th April 2018 a group of ODs from the 1960's met at The Mitre. More...

A harrowing tale of the underdog-ODs vs top-dog-Old Saints in an epic battle of bravery which ended in a final score of … More...

Most read

The OM and OD Teams yesterday on the Piley, with their staff and officials, after the match.

Yesterday, 21 March 2024, a great moment for the two sides, connecting, at the Bishops 175 Festival Rugby & Hockey Festival. More...

Last year just under 500 ODs completed an online questionnaire, answering questions about the future strategy of the ODU More...

High tea at the Mitre for our VIP ODs. More...

Have your say

 
This website is powered by
ToucanTech