We regret to announce the death, at his home last week, of Richard Seaman FGCL, who was president of the Guild of Cleaners and Launderers 1996/97. He was also Master of the Worshipful Company of Launderers in 1982-83.
Ken Cupitt, council chairman, Guild of Cleaners and Launderers, paid tribute, saying: “He was a real gentleman and although not a recent regular Guild meeting attendee, due to his ill health, he was in his lifetime a great supporter of both the Guild and the industry.
As well as time spent within the textile care industry Richard was often seen with the Royal Family at horse racing events, including Ladies Day at Ascot. I have a fond memory of being with him in discussions with City & Guilds representatives regarding their continued then support for the Guild and joint educational qualifications for the laundry and drycleaning industry when he took away the C&G director general to discuss horse racing leaving the rest of the C&G and Guild party to discuss details.”
Known to his friends and family as Dick, Richard was also heavily involved with 3-day eventing, being director of the cross-country section of Windsor Horse Trials for many years
Richard had a company called Twin Industries Agencies Ltd based in Camberley, Surrey, which had the sole UK agency for Fulton steam boilers for a number of years. Many of the boilers went to drycleaning shops and laundries, and he also sold dry cleaning equipment.
Apart from office staff Richard employed a team of service engineers to cover the UK and had a northern area office in Warrington. A number of people in the businesses that he dealt with still remember him, even though he moved from retailing into boiler broking in 1993, finally retiring in 2005, and speak well of him. He was also a much liked and respected boss by all his workforce.
“A sad loss of a legend,” said Ken Cupitt.
