Tributes paid to popular owner of skip hire firm
TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Macclesfield’s most familiar faces following the death of Joe Henshaw.
The popular businessman, 65, best known as the owner of Henshaw’s Skip Hire, passed away peacefully say his family and small private funeral service will take place on Friday, January 22.
Joe - a nickname given by his late father, his real name was Cyril Ford Middleton Henshaw - built the firm despite not being able to read or write.
It began in 1976 with one truck and five skips and using his head for figures and acumen the born and bred Maxonian turned it into a big success.
The company is now run by his two children Lee and Lisa.
Daughter Lisa said: “Everyone knew my dad, he was a character and this business is his legacy.
“My dad would sit at work until late at night, making sure everything was done ready for the next day, but before he finished for the day he would always find a deal to be done. He was a bit of a Del Boy, in a nice way.
“He was a very determined person, it was driven into him that if you wanted something you had to work hard to get it, and he has driven that into us.
“My dad was a very kind-natured and generous man, if he could help you out he would do.”
Throughout his life, Joe supported local charities - including East Cheshire Hospice and the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
He also sponsored local junior football clubs and Macclesfield Town where there was a suite at the Moss Rose ground named after him.
Joe’s first job was as a coal merchant, which he did with his father, before starting the skip firm and wedding car business.
Over the years Joe, a grandad of two, expanded his firm
It is now called Henshaws Waste Management, and it currently deals with roll on roll off skip, scrap metal and wheelie bin supply.
Despite the hard work throughout his life, the laughs were never far away and Joe was also known for the Christmas lights display his firm put up. Lisa said: “He was a wind-up merchant and a joker, he loved playing pranks on people and also loved being around people.”
“Due to spending a large part of his life suffering from ill health, including diabetes, and undergoing two kidney transplants it was always very important for my dad to give back wherever he could.”
Joe died on January 3 and prior to the funeral service, which will comply with current Covid regulations, he will be driven through Macclesfield for people to pay their respects.