Terry Horrod was an amazing man – unique to his family simply because they learned the discipline of always expecting the very best, and pushing to achieve goals that they might have thought unattainable. Terry had gone from working for his brothers in a family business, to having to take over the business as one family tragedy after another struck. He was a devoted son, brother, and father, extolling the virtues of his own upbringing, whilst embracing the changes as they came at him headlong. From a welding engineer to a managing director without a moment’s pause was one of his finest hours, although many have since followed. Completely out of his element, Terry taught himself the disciplines of the business, both as a manufacturing and engineering company, but more importantly understanding the taxation and the responsibilities a company has to the State!
Despite the conflict of working with a Dad, and a Boss, most of the time we were able to respect the genuine, limitless genius of a man who dedicated his life to his work and his family. A hard taskmaster as a father and a boss, Terry was a formidable ally to the industry in which he dedicated his life. Manufacturing plant and equipment for the roofing and later the civil engineering and construction sectors, he would not be swayed from the quality he so firmly believed should be the backbone of the industry. Others would make cheaper equipment, and whilst that would be a thorn in the side of a company that only produced quality, he refused to get into the ‘cheap and cheerful’ race.
Admiring engineering as he did, Terry fought to get the industry to recognise the need for a better understanding of the equipment. The roofing industry trains its staff to lay products, but it never thought to equip them with the knowledge of the machinery that provided the product in its melted state. Horrod’s began a program of training the operatives using Asphalt Mixers and other equipment over six years ago and have travelled the length and breadth of the United Kingdom, as well as sessions in Ireland, to train operatives to correctly operate asphalt mixers.
Terry’s dedication to safety was a trademark element of his leadership at Horrod’s, instilling this ethic into his employees, including the children he leaves the business too. Terry never shied away from a battle to force the industry forward, and always answered the calls of his customers when they were facing difficulties with regulations from the EU and the UK Health and Safety Executive.
He introduced products in the United Kingdom that would assist companies with health and safety. The first Thermostat controlled bitumen boilers, pilot protected flame failure systems in asphalt, antiskid and other mixer products, safety buckets with lids for carrying bitumen products, resin and thermoplastic. Everything he designed had the same vein running through it – it must work efficiently, giving the customer the best value for money, but ultimately it must be safe. This was an ethic he would never shy away from.
Without the vision and determination to continue a company against all the odds of family tragedies, the industry would have been poorer. Terry Horrod had vision, determination, and an imagination to make things work that others would never even conceive.
The reverence felt by his children is shared by many that knew him in life as a man who would compromise when needed, but hold fast in equal degrees.
Terry was diagnosed with lung cancer in early in 2008; it was apparently operable and we were assured it would be cured. That quickly disintegrated when it was discovered later that year that the cancer was back again – it was a battle fought with all the determination that Terry possessed, as always he remained as positive as the illness allowed him to be, continuing to contribute to company affairs, speak with customers and attend functions. In June this year he attended the Mastic Asphalt Council awards dinner as he always did. He was amazed to be called to the stage and presented with an award for service to the industry – Kim Horrod had contacted MAC to let them know about Dad’s deteriorating health and mentioned that it would be nice for him to get some kind of recognition. John Blowers, MAC’s Director and Secretary, jumped at the chance to recognise Terry’s long service to the industry, and organised the award. It would sadly be the last time Terry would attend any functions. As is the way with lung cancer, the aggression with which it afflicts is shocking, and when Dad passed away at 04:15 am on Monday 3rd August, 2009, it was both difficult to lose him but equally a relief to know that he was at the end of his suffering. All who knew Terry will know how easy it is to honour him. His achievements were many, his life, although often challenging, was filled with successes and triumphs. Being able to watch a product he had envisaged from design to inception was one of his many pleasures – sharing his company with his family a sense of pride.
We are proud to honour our father, Terry Horrod. He was a man whose dedication to his work and family will be the enduring memory.
Terry leaves his loving wife of over fifty years, Pat, and five children, two who have worked with Horrod’s for as many years as Terry led the company, 1979 – 2009
A man, a vision and his legacy.
JH
Despite the conflict of working with a Dad, and a Boss, most of the time we were able to respect the genuine, limitless genius of a man who dedicated his life to his work and his family. A hard taskmaster as a father and a boss, Terry was a formidable ally to the industry in which he dedicated his life. Manufacturing plant and equipment for the roofing and later the civil engineering and construction sectors, he would not be swayed from the quality he so firmly believed should be the backbone of the industry. Others would make cheaper equipment, and whilst that would be a thorn in the side of a company that only produced quality, he refused to get into the ‘cheap and cheerful’ race.
Admiring engineering as he did, Terry fought to get the industry to recognise the need for a better understanding of the equipment. The roofing industry trains its staff to lay products, but it never thought to equip them with the knowledge of the machinery that provided the product in its melted state. Horrod’s began a program of training the operatives using Asphalt Mixers and other equipment over six years ago and have travelled the length and breadth of the United Kingdom, as well as sessions in Ireland, to train operatives to correctly operate asphalt mixers.
Terry’s dedication to safety was a trademark element of his leadership at Horrod’s, instilling this ethic into his employees, including the children he leaves the business too. Terry never shied away from a battle to force the industry forward, and always answered the calls of his customers when they were facing difficulties with regulations from the EU and the UK Health and Safety Executive.
He introduced products in the United Kingdom that would assist companies with health and safety. The first Thermostat controlled bitumen boilers, pilot protected flame failure systems in asphalt, antiskid and other mixer products, safety buckets with lids for carrying bitumen products, resin and thermoplastic. Everything he designed had the same vein running through it – it must work efficiently, giving the customer the best value for money, but ultimately it must be safe. This was an ethic he would never shy away from.
Without the vision and determination to continue a company against all the odds of family tragedies, the industry would have been poorer. Terry Horrod had vision, determination, and an imagination to make things work that others would never even conceive.
The reverence felt by his children is shared by many that knew him in life as a man who would compromise when needed, but hold fast in equal degrees.
Terry was diagnosed with lung cancer in early in 2008; it was apparently operable and we were assured it would be cured. That quickly disintegrated when it was discovered later that year that the cancer was back again – it was a battle fought with all the determination that Terry possessed, as always he remained as positive as the illness allowed him to be, continuing to contribute to company affairs, speak with customers and attend functions. In June this year he attended the Mastic Asphalt Council awards dinner as he always did. He was amazed to be called to the stage and presented with an award for service to the industry – Kim Horrod had contacted MAC to let them know about Dad’s deteriorating health and mentioned that it would be nice for him to get some kind of recognition. John Blowers, MAC’s Director and Secretary, jumped at the chance to recognise Terry’s long service to the industry, and organised the award. It would sadly be the last time Terry would attend any functions. As is the way with lung cancer, the aggression with which it afflicts is shocking, and when Dad passed away at 04:15 am on Monday 3rd August, 2009, it was both difficult to lose him but equally a relief to know that he was at the end of his suffering. All who knew Terry will know how easy it is to honour him. His achievements were many, his life, although often challenging, was filled with successes and triumphs. Being able to watch a product he had envisaged from design to inception was one of his many pleasures – sharing his company with his family a sense of pride.
We are proud to honour our father, Terry Horrod. He was a man whose dedication to his work and family will be the enduring memory.
Terry leaves his loving wife of over fifty years, Pat, and five children, two who have worked with Horrod’s for as many years as Terry led the company, 1979 – 2009
A man, a vision and his legacy.
JH
From Friends and Colleagues
Your Dad was one of only a very few "Roofing Gents" left in our industry and sadly I do not see his type being replaced in the current culture coming through. Pete Henrickson, MJ Flat Roofing.
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Terry ("Mr. Horrod" to me) was a man loved by many who commanded much respect. He will always be remembered. Arthur & Terri Holmes (Weldmet)
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My deepest sympathy to young Terry and the rest of the family. " No more suffering Terry, RIP "
Michael J O'Brien. O’Brien Waterproofing Ltd
Michael J O'Brien. O’Brien Waterproofing Ltd
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Even though we are only a small company Terry would always advise us like we were his best customer, sort any problems or difficulties we had and always was a pleasure to talk, I will be forever grateful for his help and advice. Tony Dempsey, Dempsey Roofing, Ireland.
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I am so, so sorry to hear that Terry has passed away, he will be greatly missed by all as he was one of the few remaining good old boys. My heart goes out to you and your family, knowing Terry he will be looking down on us with that warm smile. I’m sure of that. Steve Hammersley, Hambro Roofing.
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I am very sorry to hear that passed away recently. As you know we go back a few years and spent many hours discussing the ins and outs of the industry, that is if you could get a word in. John Mellor Norse commercial Services Ltd – Norfolk County Council.
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I always thought your father had a great character and cared passionately about the business and I admired his enthusiasm. Graham Dunn – EP Barrus Ltd
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I met Terry in the late 80s early 90s I found him to be genuine and helpful character and one of the old school who you could trust on just a handshake. Gordon Hardy – Byford Roofing Service.
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He was a very trusted and respected friend to many people in the industry. Philip Johns, SIG Roofing Supplies.
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Really sorry to hear about Terry I will miss that very distinctive voice and character. Best wishes, William Rae
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Really sorry to hear about Terry I will miss that very distinctive voice and character. Best wishes, William Rae
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Your father was a very nice and extremely helpful man who will be sadly missed, not only within the industry but personally as well.
Chris Insole - FOR DURABLE CONTRACTS LIMITED
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Thank you for sending me your kind letter of 11 August. I was very sorry to hear about the death of your father, Terry, whom I knew very well through the FRA.
Michael Latham
