Herbert Beesley (c1881-1965)

Herbert Beesley (c1881-1965) of Lee Beesley

1965 Died. 'Mr. Herbert Beesley, of 43, Styvechale Avenue, Coventry, the co-founder of Lee, Beesley and Co., the Coventry-based electrical contractors, died yesterday in the Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital, aged 84. The business started in 1907 by Mr. Beesley and a workmate of his at the time, Mr. Charles Lee, has grown into a firm employing more than 1,000 and with offices in seven cities other than Coventry. Mr. Beesley chose to enter the promising electrical industry at an early age, though both his father and grandfather had been watchmakers in Coventry. He was articled to a local gas and electrical company and later went to the old B.T.H. Co. before joining the electrical contractors H. W. Burberry and Co., with whom he stayed for five years. He and Mr Lee later decided to set up their own business and today the firm, with offices in Birmingham, Gloucester, Swansea, Liverpool, Sheffield, Plymouth and London can claim to be among the country's principal electrical contractors. The firm's main growth has taken place over the past 25 years, helped by the expansion of industry and the dynamic business brain of Mr. G. S. Nott, a member of the firm since the 1920s and managing director since 1937. Mr. Beesley retained the chairmanship of the company until his death, and attended the office regularly. Mr Beesley leaves a widow, Mrs. Winifred Beesley. In April last year they celebrated their diamond wedding. They had no children. He was vice-president of Coventry Rugby Football Club for over 40 years and until recently attended matches whenever the weather was fine. He also belonged to the Coventry and County Club. the Quadrant Club, and the Reform Club, and was a member of the Wyley Lodge of Freemasons. Mr Nott said of Mr. Beesley today: "As the founder of the company he was held in great respect by the whole of the staff. Over the years his integrity and sincerity made him very well loved. He saw the company grow from very small beginnings to its present size." The funeral is on Wednesday, at St. Barnabas' Church, to be followed by cremation at Canley. '

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