Founder of family haulage firm Collett and Sons has died at 81
Richard Collett, the founder of Calderdale haulage business Collett and Sons, has died aged 81.
Richard was chairman of the company for many years before he retired in his late 70s, but in the years after retirement, he was still to be found in the office.
Richard was born at Braithwaite Farm, Keighley on August 26, 1942 to Richard and Margery Collett - the seventh of nine children.
In 1960, he married Patricia and went on to have five sons: Richard, David, Lincoln, Mark and Michael.
In 1962 he moved to Moorfield Farm at Wainstalls in
Halifax. It was a derelict farm but started as a new operating base in Halifax, continuing with farming and milk collections.
In 1964 Richard formed a partnership with his father and the company became R
Collett and Son. They also worked for West Cumberland farmers, delivering animal feed.
Initially, running a small fleet of about eight ‘used’ trucks, he did all the wagon repairs himself until seeking help in the garage. In 1975 his eldest son Richard became a mechanic upon leaving school.
In 1975 Richard formed the company R. Collett and Sons (Transport) Ltd and with five sons potentially coming into the business, he turned to heavy haulage.
In 1976 he bought his first low loader. The business outgrew Moorfield farm and in 1985 Richard bought a yard in Keighley, which was once again outgrown. and in 1996 the company moved from both depots into the Albert Road Depot at Pellon, Halifax, which is still the head office.
Richard was a character who didn’t suffer fools, he was outspoken, but he was also very fair. As his sons and grandchildren left school, they joined the company, contributing to the hugely successful business specialising in heavy transport that it has become.
Richard was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2002 but continued to work.
He died on February 9 and was buried at the Mount Pleasant cemetery in Wainstalls on March 1 following a service at Halifax Minster.
His last journey was being carried on the back of his vintage 1952 Bedford O-type Milk wagon.