Robert ‘Bob’ McLeod, 1950 – 2019
Bob McLeod, former Managing Director of Arriva Bus & Coach, has died, aged 68.
Born in April 1950, Bob – christened Robert Johnstone McLeod – began his automotive life studying for an HND under a scheme run by motor dealership, Rootes. From there, he worked in car sales until joining the fleet sales unit of Dodge trucks.
In 1980, at the age of 30, he changed marques for DAF trucks, rising to the role of Dealer Regional Manager. By 1986, he had taken the General Manager’s role vacated by Vernon Edwards.
Bob joined Hughes DAF, in Cleckheaton, in 1989 as Sales Director and became Managing Director in May 1992, staying at the helm until 2 April 2012, when he retired. Bob’s passion was walking the Yorkshire Dales and family holidays , as well regular visits to watch his beloved Coventry City Football Club play.
He leaves a wife, Valerie, three children, seven grandchildren and a wide circle of friends and family.
Bob’s funeral service will be held on Friday 22 March at 1.30pm at the Central Methodist Church in Brighouse, West Yorkshire. There will be a reception afterwards at the Holiday Inn Leeds-Brighouse.
Bus & Coach Buyer would like to express sincere condolences to Bob’s colleagues, family and friends.
Actually Bob worked in truck sales (not car) at Dodge truck dealer Coventry & Jeffs in Hylton Road, Worcester. Coventy & Jeffs were taken over by Leyland Truck Distributor Lex Tillotson. This being prior to Bob’s return to Rootes as Fleet Sales Manager for the Midlands.
I joined Lex Tillotson on 9th April 1979 and was Bob’s Understudy working out of the Worcester depot with me covering the eastern side, Evesham Etc and Bob doing the western part of the patch around Hereford.
A few years after re joining Rootes group Bob moved to DAF who were at that time based in Marlow. I contacted Bob about a job and one evening my wife Carol and myself popped over to see him, Valerie and the children at their home in Lutterworth. In April 1983 I was offered a job by Bob at Midland DAF Trucks in Coleshill, Birmingham and was personally instrumental in putting the original DAF product on the map in the Birmingham and Black Country area.
Without doubt Bob McLeod was one of the most genuine, knowledgeable and patient men I have had the privilege of working with and working for. A true gent.
After a number of years with DAF and Scania I now work for Midland Truck and Van selling Mercedes Trucks in the West Midlands.
Martyn Hill.