Tributes paid to Shropshire businessman after death aged 70

The funeral of Richard Allmark, who was also known as Richie or Dishy, will take place next Friday. He died on April 2 after a long illness.

He was the owner of R A Allmark & Sons surfacing contractors, whose fleet of lorries are regularly seen on the roads of Shropshire.

Mr Allmark began his working life at Wem Motors as a mechanic and then became an apprentice at Rolls Royce. But within months he joined J&H Parrys tarmac contractors. The extra money helped when he married his childhood sweetheart Janet in 1969 and the couple went on to have two sons, Rob and Phil.

He carried on working in the tarmac industry until a trip to see relatives in Australia led to the family emigrating to Perth in 1979.

He gained work in the mining industry where he drove large machinery in the quarries. But after just two years, the family moved back to Shrewsbury and picked up their old lives with Mr Allmark going back to work with Parrys.

Patience

After a few years, he had saved enough money to buy an old Bedford lorry and started doing small jobs with an old friend.

But work was hard to find and the pair went their ways. However, Mr Allmark decided to stick it out and his patience paid off. He bought a yard in Castlefields and his business expanded and he secured contracts with Shropshire County Council and local builders.

In 2006 the company moved to Shawbury – into the old Parrys’ yard.

The family-run business now has surfacing contracts with many large organisations such as hospitals, primary care trusts, HMP prisons and local councils and many more.

His wife Janet said: “Richard was a keen businessman and dedicated his life to his job but always ready to give someone a chance and help them in the trade. He always kept a interest in motor industry, particularly vintage lorries and discussing these matters in his local. He was devoted to his family and the very proud grandad of Harry, Evie, Milly, Fletcher and Flossy.”

The funeral is will be held at Holy Trinity Church, Meole Brace on April 26 at 11.30am. Family flowers only, although donations will be made to local charities after the funeral.