Nick Davenport, an extremely well known industry figure, passed away suddenly on the 11th January at the age of 67. He is survived by his wife Gwen Davenport.
Nick, who retired in 2013, had a career in the Timber trade spanning back 46 years. He started his career in 1967 when he decided, at the age of 16, to pack a bag and go to Canada to learn about the timber industry first hand working for Canadian Forest Products Limited.
On his return in 1970 he joined Phoenix Timber Group as a company Trainee, initially carrying out inspections and formulating claims before joining the purchasing team. In 1979 he joined Boulton and Paul as lead buyer for Joinery products and progressed through the ranks quickly to become purchasing director in 1989 at the age of 40.
Nick joined Metsä Wood (formerly Finnforest) in 1996 as Procurement Director where he spent 19 years before retiring. He was a member of the UK Management Team as Procurement Director where his knowledge, expertise and experience of the trade were instrumental to the company's success. His hands on approach and love for the trade gave him his edge, right up until the end of his career he could still be found, on occasion, accurately sorting a pack of timber at a pace that few could match. He will be remembered as a fearsome negotiator but always fair; where a deal was sealed in the traditional manor, with a shake of hands.
Nick Davenport's funeral will be held on the 9th February at 10.30am, GreenAcres Colney, Whatton Road, Norwich, NR4 7TY. Following the service everyone is invited to Unthank Arms, Norwich, NR2 2DR.
All enquiries should be directed to Rosedale Funeral Home, 01986 892790