NEXT ISSUE SERVICE DEALER BUSINESS QUARTERLY Magazine Summer 2013 published July 2013
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WE ARE FAMILY . . Peter Rochford ticked so many boxes . . by Chris Biddle
IT is far too early, and the news of Peter Rochford's death still too raw, to make a true assessment of the legacy he leaves his family, his business, the industry as a whole, and the local Wincanton community.
Last week, I reflected on the news that several friends and colleagues had died in recent weeks. Tim Cranfield, Nigel Finch and John Howden amongst them, the last two whilst still at the height of their careers - and now Peter, another taken far too early and with so much more to give.
Searching around for a fitting epitaph last week , I chose Samuel Johnson’s simple quote “It matters not how a man dies, but how he lives”. My word, how that sums up Peter Rochford.
We sometimes use this word ‘legacy’ far too liberally. It can mean anything - or nothing. Legacy can be tangible or something that is far more ethereal and hard to pin down.
Peter’s tangible legacies are clear. A successful family business, bricks and mortar, infra-structure, future generations involved, a sportsground complex to benefit the local community . . tick, tick, tick.
And yet, that only tells half the story.
In order to tick the boxes, you have to apply graft, determination, hard work, empathy, clear-thinking, ethics, vision and self-belief. Peter Rochford had all of these qualities - and more.
There is so much more that we can all say about the man . . . but that will come in time.
Today, I am left with one abiding sense - and that is the powerful force of the family. We all know how family relationships can be destructive, toxic and can tear apart flesh and blood.
But when harnessed responsibly, the family unit can provide the glue to achieve stability and success.
We are fortunate to work in an industry powered by family businesses - and Peter Rochford has been amongst those who have showed us how it should be done.
Our thoughts at this time are with Dibby, Mark, Kerry and the Rochford family and friends
