John Blake

20 Aug 1950 - 1 May 2021

It is with great sadness that we must announce the passing of our friend and colleague John Blake. He died on 1st May surrounded by his loving family.

John started in the radiator trade working for a local repair business in the East End of Glasgow

After joining G&M in the early 1980's he went on to work closely with G&M's founder Geoff Shrigley in developing replacement PTR cores which was an industry first. This was an immediate and long running success which gave G&M the platform to expand and develop new markets.

John worked as Production Manager through these times overseeing all the manufacturing process and employees. He was an integral part of the team that saw the acquisition of G&M Ireland, Gallay/Becool and Alutec which led to the formation of the G&M Group.

When G&M signed an agreement to work with Dolphin manufacturing in UAE John volunteered to work with Dolphin to improve their manufacturing processes and all-round quality. He spent a little over 6 years in Dubai until eventually returning to G&M as Managing Director in June 2013.

During his time at Dolphin, John travelled extensively with the owner Nooruddin NJ visiting customers and manufacturers around the globe. This gave John a valuable insight into the many different manufacturing techniques employed by these companies and meant the knowledge he gained could be and was used to guide G&M in the direction he knew would be most beneficial.

Throughout his working life, John's forward-thinking attitude and his ability to inspire and motivate people will always be remembered fondly by all who met him or worked with him.

He will be greatly missed but the legacy he leaves behind is an inspiration for us all here within the G&M Group to continue his work and realise the bold ambitions he has always had for our Company.

John Blake, 20 Aug 1950- 1 May 2021

Nooruddin NJ
I want to express my deepest sympathies to you on the passing of John Blake. John was an exceptional person who touched the hearts of everyone he met. He was an inspiring person who always saw the best in people. John always put his company and colleagues before himself and was always ready to give a helping hand.

Jean Kelly, MD G&M Ireland
The word that kept being repeated last week over and over as I talked to people was the word mentor and what an extraordinary teacher John was. For myself he was an incredible mentor and taught me so much but I discovered last week that he did that for so many people. We will never forget him.

Ryan Bell
So sorry to hear the sad news about John. John was more than a colleague to myself as he was a great friend and mentor and he will be sadly missed.

Gary Stevenson
So sorry to hear this news, John will be sadly missed true gentleman RIP John Gary & all the staff at Applied Radiators

Dave Anderson
Condolences to JB's family, friends, and work colleagues, I have known John for more years than I care to admit to. He had a wealth of knowledge and experience in the radiator industry but mainly he was a really nice guy. RIP JB.

Jim Scott
Condolences to John's family. During my time at G&M he was a gent and will be missed by so many.

Ahmad Abbas
I cannot believe, Dear John Blake is no more with us. My Sincere condolences to his family and friends, for me he was a good friend and supporter, God Bless him, his kindness will remain with us forever.

Juho Partanen
Sincere condolences to JB's family. He was an extraordinary leader & a dear friend who's mentoring has helped generations in our industry.

Matthew Eggleston
This is extremely sad. John was a knowledgeable and very dedicated man right to the end! Our industry has learnt a lot from him over the years. Condolences to all of his family and colleagues.