The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) is mourning another loss to the joinery industry this year, with the death of its senior vice president and chairman for Scotland, Gordon Nelson. Mr Nelson passed away at the end of March, aged 74.

Mr Nelson began his career in the joinery industry almost 50 years ago as northern field sales manager for Gliksten Doors, selling flush doors and doorsets. In 1974, he took on the position of sales and marketing director for Rothervale Joinery in Sheffield. Mr Nelson became well known within the industry, helping to grow the company’s sales to eventually become one of the largest in the industry.

Iain McIlwee, chief executive of the BWF, said: “Mr Nelson had been an active and enthusiastic member of the BWF for some years. Only last year he was made the chairman of our newly formed Scottish division and had already started to develop some very good contacts and new membership for the BWF north of the border. He was a passionate Scotsman and a senior leader in his Highland clan, Clan Gunn. His immense industry experience, sound strategic thinking and sense of fun will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”