Tributes paid to Derbyshire family company boss John Wildgoose

THE former head of one of Derbyshire's oldest family-owned construction firms has died at the age of 75.

John Wildgoose was the third generation to manage the building company, Wildgoose Construction, which was founded in Matlock in 1896 by his grandfather.

John's death on holiday in Majorca was described as a shock by son Jonathan.

He said: "He was an active man. He loved his family and he loved the outdoors.

"He was a man of practical action and was held in affection and great respect by those who knew him.

"He was a principled man with a good sense of humour."

Mr Wildgoose was born in Matlock in 1933 and educated at Abbotsholme School, Rocester.

He joined the family firm, then known as John William Wildgoose and Son, after leaving school, training to be a stonemason at the company's Lumshill quarry, near Matlock. Then he completed his National Service in the Royal Engineers and returned to work in Matlock.

On the death of his father, Horace, in 1967, he became chairman and managing director.

Although he stepped down last year to allow his son to succeed him as chairman, Mr Wildgoose, who lived at Alport, near Bakewell, was still working until his death this month.

Jonathan, 47, said: "He would never have thought of retiring – he was still in the office every day. His death was a shock."

Mr Wildgoose married Marjory Hinckley in 1958 and as well as Jonathan, they had a daughter, Laura Harcourt, who is the company vice- chairman, and seven grandchildren.

Mr Wildgoose was a keen sportsman, playing hockey for Derwent, for his Army regiment and also representing Derbyshire.

Shooting was also a keen hobby. He learned to shoot rabbit and game and was equally skilled with the fishing rod.

During his time at the helm of the company, Wildgoose Construction, which employs 95 staff, underwent a process of radical modernisation.

It moved more into management contracting, working on a variety of building projects across the Midlands that included the five-star Boutique Hotel, in Derby's Cathedral Quarter, and a series of schools, including the Kirk Hallam Community Technical College, Ilkeston.

Now based in Ashover, the company undertakes projects from £250,000 to £7m-plus.

Mr Wildgoose's funeral took place at All Saints' Church, Youlgreave.

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