Stapletons Mourns a ‘Founding Father’

Leading UK wholesale and retail tyre supplier, Stapletons Tyre Services is mourning the loss of one of its very first employees, Stuart Masson.

Mr Masson sadly passed away peacefully on 29 October at the age of 84 – nine days short of his birthday. Born on November 7, 1920 in Eaton Bray, near Leighton Buzzard, Stuart approached Sydney Stapleton for a job at his new tyre shop on Watford High Street in 1937. At the tender age of 16, Stuart started his career at Stapletons as a clerk.

Stuart served the company diligently for four years, managing the books and the day to day running of the company until he volunteered for duty with the Royal Navy during the Second World War. In February 1946, Stuart returned to his job at Stapletons’ then headquarters in Watford, where he continued as clerk until his promotion to the board of directors in 1955.

Mr Masson’s drive and determination to build Stapletons’ business was evident in the 1960s. As Sales Director, Stuart led the company to expansion with the opening of retail tyre centres in Hitchin, Aylesbury, Potters Bar and Maidenhead.

His widow, Norma Masson said: “Stuart was a very focused and determined man. He lived and breathed tyres and always led by example. He would happily do all sorts of jobs, from driving the delivery vans to cleaning the lavatories.

“A very creative man, he was also very instrumental in introducing the export of tyres from the Baldock depot to European countries like Germany and France. He even introduced a mobile night service to replace or fit commercial tyres onto stranded lorries and vans. He really worked hard to build the Stapletons name and make it what it is today.”

Mr Masson was also a very active and supportive member of the NTDA in the 1960s, contributing tremendously to his role as Regional Officer for the South East.

A keen golfer, Stuart was never far from the fairways and played consistently until he gave up six years ago due to poor health. His hobby was further testament to his role as President of the Transport Golfing Society.

Mr Masson was the longest serving director at Stapletons, and retired when the company was sold to its current owners, Itochu in 1996.

He leaves behind his widow, Norma and son Stuart Junior.