Robert Weatherall 1947-2015

摘要

Robert Weatherall was a man of five continents. Born in 1947, in Bradford, West Yorkshire in the UK, he grew up during the period of expansion of the country's textile industry. Like many young men, he started in the trade as a sample room boy at Harold Laycock (Bradford) Ltd., a company active in speciality fibres. It was here that he met his future wife, Sally. In the early days of his career, as was customary at that time, he delivered samples, by foot, or bus to the prospective customers. He was personable and well respected by his customers and colleagues. In 1981 it was decided by Laycocks to send Robert to Port Elizabeth, South Africa with his now wife, and three young children, to manage International Mohair Topmakers (Pty) - known as IMT. It was during this stay that saw the beginning of' Robert and Sally's love for South Africa. On his return to the UK in 1983 Robert opened the company IMT (UK) Ltd., a European branch of the South African company. This was later integrated into Laycock International, where Robert was appointed the joint managing director.