Obituary – Phil Margrave

Just after we went to press last week we learned of the sudden death of Phil Margrave, recently retired Group Chief Engineer for the Go Ahead Group. He had been taken ill the previous evening during a night out with industry colleagues. Aged 60 he spent 43 years in the bus business, having started with London Transport as an apprentice in 1971, later becoming a member of the buyout team at London General.

During his career, Phil did a massive amount to raise the standard of bus specifications in the UK and was immensely liked and respected by those he worked with and, though they acknowledged his tough negotiating skills, those he did business with.

At his official retirement party at Epsom last August, Keith Ludeman, former Group CEO of Go Ahead said of him, ‘He’s a really unique individual. He’s completely trustworthy, he’s discreet, he’s incredibly loyal, he’s pretty damn brave, and intensely practical. Phil is the sort of guy you want with you in any difficult situation. Besides his great sense of humour, Phil is a loyal friend.’

At the same event, on which I reported in B&CB issue 1291, 29 August 2014, Paul Reeves said of him, ‘We all know his huge propensity to enjoy himself. He’s really good at it. The great pleasure of being in his company rubs off on all those who work with him.’

He leaves a widow Rita, son Lewis and daughters Lauren and Lucy as well as new grandson Hudson to whom we extend our sincere condolences.

Details of the funeral arrangements will be posted on the B&CB website when they become available.