Tribute to a True Gentleman

John Nelson, who sadly passed away in July, was the kindest, most humorous, unassuming, modest and caring person you could have the good fortune to know, writes the GEA: He was a gentleman in every sense of the word and a devoted family man.

Born and raised in Somerset in the village of Blagdon, near Weston-Super-Mare and in Bristol. He achieved a scholarship to Colston School in Bristol where he enjoyed maths, physics and Latin as well as representing the school at rugby. This famous old school has produced many international players and as John would freely admit; there was never a chance of him becoming one of them!

He met his wife, Chris, at Winchester Teacher Training College; they married in 1964 at Farnborough.

John always had a very practical, logical and sensible approach to life. After college he quickly demonstrated this by giving up teaching for a proper job in the garage equipment side of the motor industry. He rose through the ranks of TI, Transervice, Crypton and Wellman before becoming Chief Executive of the Garage Equipment Association (GEA).

In 1995, he moved the head office of the GEA from London to Daventry, in the East Midlands and set about further developing the GEA. John established links with VOSA and gained such credibility that today the GEA is responsible for administrating VOSA’s MOT Acceptable Equipment Scheme and annual Conformity of Production. John also maintained strong links with all trade associations and government agencies; he was also a strong supporter of the European Garage Equipment Association, where he played an active role as treasurer.

John’s son Tim Nelson has become a successful Head Teacher, so in a way, he’s repaying the education system for their loss after losing such a true gentleman to our industry.

It goes without saying that John will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, but he will be communally missed by our industry and by the members and staff of the Garage Equipment Association.