Obituary – Ralph Bullock, Bullocks Coaches
Ralph Bullock (Junior) died peacefully at home on 20 June 2019. He was 90, the same age as the Manchester-based company.
Ralph Bullock Jnr
Apart from a period of National Service, and a year in Australia shortly after the end of WWII, he spent his entire working life with the family firm. The business had been founded by his father, Ralph Bullock, in the year of his birth, 1928. Ralph junior drove the firm’s wagons in 1944, aged just 16, such were their needs in wartime. After the nationalisation of that side of the business, Ralph and his late brother Geoff spent the following years developing the coaching operation, which became well known for its Foden content for many years.
A statement from Bullocks Coaches said: “Although he officially retired from the business in 2005, there was rarely a day when he wasn’t to be found at either of the firm’s depots, or at one or other of Manchester’s commercial vehicle auctioneers, just looking for a bargain. He was regarded as a true gentleman by everyone who knew him.”
The funeral will be held at St. Mary’s Church, High Street, Cheadle at 2pm on Friday 26 July, followed by refreshments at the Horse & Farrier pub in Gatley, which was a particular favourite of Ralph’s.
Ralph Bullock was indeed a true gentleman. I suspect all the major coach dealers in the U.K. either sold or given the opportunity to quote for new coaches over a very long period of time. During my 22 years with Salvador Caetano UK Ltd, we were privileged to supply many new coaches to Ralph Bullock, both DAF and Volvo based Algarve’s. His part exchanges were always of the highest quality.
Sons, Alan and Steve Bullock follow a giant in the industry. Wishing them continued success with their business and of course sincere condolences for their loss. Wilf Lewis.
Loved the man he looked after me when I was a apprentice at this company he went over and beyond for me always sadly missed