Charlie McKinlay, the European agent for Centurion Europe, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on June 4.
Charlie had worked with Centurion for the more than five years and had a long and distinguished career in the international DIY sector. A well-respected and popular character, his loss has come as a great shock to his many friends and colleagues at Centurion, across the industry and for the numerous customers with whom he had built long term relationships.
Charlie started his sales career at Timex, but spent the bulk of his working life in the tools and hardware industries, working with Aven Tools, Sandvik and American Tools. He was managing director of Izard Irwin and also spent time with AW Tools before representing Centurion, one of his key principals, worldwide. Leading the company's export activities, he was a frequent visitor to the IHF in Cologne and was highly instrumental in securing Centurion's extensive 22 country export portfolio.
Centurion Europe managing director Paul Kantecki said, "Charlie was admired and loved by everyone at Centurion. Having worked with Charlie for many years, he taught me a lot and it has been a real pleasure to know him. His contribution to this company and the industry in general was great and we are lucky to have enjoyed his company as part of the Centurion team. He was one of this industry's great characters and he will be sorely missed. Our sincere condolences go to his family at this sad time."
Anyone wishing to make a donation in Charlie's memory is asked to contact the British Heart Foundation or visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/inmemoryofcharliemckinlay