A former, highly respected, furniture agent in the industry, Bruce Price, has sadly passed away at the age of 81.
Bruce spent over 50 years in the trade and was one of the key figures in the organisation of the Stafford Furniture Show, which was the forerunner to today’s January Furniture Show.
Upon leaving the industry, Bruce settled in the Philippines where he met and married his wife, Marites Fernandez. He leaves two sons, Luke and Greg, from a previous marriage to Sue, and was also a big lover of dogs.
Long-time friend and former colleague, Dave Lloyd shared this special tribute in Bruce’s memory.
“I had known Bruce for nearly 50 years as we both started in the trade together. I was a sales rep for Silentnight Bedding Ltd and Bruce was sales rep with Dunlopillo Bed Division. I believe Bruce was eventually promoted to National Sales Manager. He left Dunlopillo to start as a Sales Agent with various manufacturers and I followed suit.
“During his time as an Agent he also took on the role of Chairman for the Midlands Reps and Agents Association. He was an excellent and enthusiastic leader, always full of new ideas to promote our business and association. One of his major successes was the Stafford Furniture Show at Bingley Hall Agricultural Ground.
“The initial idea was kicked around by Bruce, Laurie Williams and myself as we all lived in Stafford and knew the venue quite well. I had a connection with the manager there (Vernon Prestwood) who we approached to find out free dates and price to hire the hall. After looking at the costs and commitments it was decided that the three of us could not fund the risky venture, so Bruce put the idea to our Reps and Agents Association who were cash rich at the time.
“Bruce, once again, did a brilliant presentation to our members and the group decided that the show would be backed and funded by them. The first Stafford Furniture Show was a great success against all odds! We were tasked with cleaning the massive hall after a livestock show to enable carpets and electrics to be fitted. A few of us worked right through the night and Bruce never seemed to leave the site for days during the build-up.
“Our customers loved the show and it was a brilliant success for all exhibitors. This success was all due to Bruce’s enthusiasm, organising skills and ability to get the best out of all us Reps and Agents. With the ongoing success, the show outgrew the venue and Bruce approached the Birmingham N.E.C. inquiring about moving the Stafford Show there. A deal was done and we launched the show in Birmingham.
“The Birmingham Show grew to one of Europe’s largest furniture shows and was eventually sold by our association to Blenheim Exhibitions. Bruce carried on for some time working for Blenheim as Show Organiser, but later left to buy a restaurant in Yorkshire. After this he moved on to Spain where I believe he purchased a wine bar and ran that for a few years before moving on to the Philippines.
“During his time in the Philippines he met and married a local lady called Marites Fernandez, which made him very happy! Marites was with Bruce when he peacefully passed away. Bruce had two sons Luke and Greg. He was very proud of his lads and they have both done well in life.
“He had many hobbies during our time together, some of which were boats, motorcycles and cars. He was also a dog lover and had many during the time I knew him. He is the only guy I have known who used to take his dogs for a walk along the beach with his pet goats while in Yorkshire.
“To sum up my pal Bruce, he was possibly the most enthusiastic, happy go lucky guy who would go out of his way to help folks. He was short in stature with a massive heart.”
