Gordon Winterbottom, managing director of Coregeo Ltd and formerly md of Saphir Fruit, has lost his battle against cancer.
His friend and colleague at Coregeo Andy Macdonald issued the following announcement on behalf of himself and Fiona Williams:
"It is with tremendous sadness that I have to announce that Gordon Winterbottom died peacefully yesterday evening, 1st December 2003.
"Gordon's cancer eventually got the better of him, but he fought with amazing courage. He referred to it simply as ëone of life's challenges'.
"Gordon somehow managed to remain positive and focused right to the end. With the love and support of Dianne he defied medical expectations and lived his life to the full. He said “every day I feel good, I'm not ill”.
"Throughout his illness he barely missed a day at Coregeo's office and less than a month ago was in Australia, among friends, attending the International Pink Lady® Association's AGM and even happened upon some of England's just-a-bit exciting rugby matches. And how he did enjoy them.
"Gordon became involved with the fresh produce industry in 1990 when he joined Saphir Fruit as managing director. He was there nearly 10 years, during which time he formed many long and lasting friendships within the business.
"On leaving Saphir, Gordon involved himself, almost immediately, with Pink Lady® apples and in 1999 formed Coregeo Ltd working very closely with APAL (Apple and Pear Australia Ltd).
"It was when Gordon was at Saphir that the very first Pink Lady® apples came from Australia into England and, although it is of course a very special apple, much credit for its success in such a short time-span must go to Gordon for the energy and effort he put in, initially at Saphir and more recently with Coregeo.
"Gordon's experience in marketing and his enthusiasm for the business gained him enormous respect worldwide. So many of us will be mourning a man who was honest, straightforward and utterly dedicated.
"Although aware for some time of the seriousness of his illness, Gordon was always able to discuss it calmly, concerning himself only with the anxieties of others. Gordon was an extremely brave man who fought with courage and determination to the end. He was not going to give in to this rotten illness until the very last - and he didn't.
"Our love and thoughts go to Gordon's family, Dianne, Anna and Richard. He was so very proud of them.
"Despite the devastating loss of Gordon, it was his wish that we should maintain ëbusiness as usual' here at Coregeo, and that we shall certainly do."
Everyone at the Journal would like to add their condolences.
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