Respected coach and bus industry consultant Doug Jack has died aged 78. He passed away peacefully in the early hours of Wednesday 2 September after a short illness.
Doug’s passion for the coach and bus industry began at an early age and remained with him throughout his life. He was a familiar face at coach and bus exhibitions around the world and his knowledge was considered unrivalled by many.
Having graduated from Edinburgh University with a degree in Scots Law, he joined Leyland Motors in 1966. After practical training on the shop floor in various departments, he became Legal Advisor of British Leyland’s Truck & Bus Division on its formation in 1968 and Company Secretary in 1971.
An enthusiastic traveller, he became Export Sales Manager in 1975.
Doug subsequently became Sales Marketing Director for Duple Coach Builders where he introduced a more modern range of products. As Managing Director for Salvador Caetano (UK), he later established a UK subsidiary for the Portuguese bodybuilder.
Having gained a wide and almost unique experience in the bus and coach industry, Doug recognised the need for a specialist consultancy to advise and assist the manufacturing industry. Transport Resources International (TRI) was established in 1986.
Doug is survived by his two sons, Robert (a transport journalist and publisher) and James (international business).
The funeral will take place in Northampton on Wednesday, 23 September. If you wish to attend, in person or online, please contact Robert Jack at [email protected].
The family have requested no flowers and instead asked for donations to be made in Doug’s memory to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Alexander (Sandy) Glennie, the former Managing Director of Volvo Bus Ltd, was a close friend. Sandy commented: “Doug was a true and trusted friend and a dedicated man. He will be remembered as a genuine people person. He had a wicked sense of humour and used to recount many tales of his experiences in such places as New York, Turkey, Shanghai, Falkirk and even Iran.
“He knew everyone in the greater industry from the biggest manufacturers, to EU and government agencies to component suppliers and research institutes. He was a regular visitor at the international exhibitions and was welcomed on all stands. He was confident and relaxed with all industry members from international chairmen to family coach operators.
“Doug was a grafter and retirement was not in his vocabulary, working to the end.”
