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Phil Kimberley - funeral details announced

, by Neil Gow

Garden product retailers and manufacturer colleagues will be saddened to learn of the sudden death on Tuesday 1st March 2016 of Phil Kimberley.

One of the characters of our industry, Phil had worked for Erin and ICI Garden Products, before joining Solus Garden & Leisure where he built strong and lasting relationships with many accounts over the years.

Covering the Midlands, Wales and the West Country, he was totally committed to the companies he worked for yet equally committed to helping his customers build their businesses.

Knowing his products inside out and understanding the garden trade, Phil was renowned for building sales for his retail customers through promotions and deals that capitalised on potential business when trade was right.

Many of Phils' customers knew of his enjoyment of food, especially cake and at weekends he could often be found supporting his favourite football team Birmingham City.

A committed family man, Phil leaves wife Diana, daughter Sharlene and son Craig along with 4 grandchildren.

Phil and his wife had recently discovered the joys of cruises following his retirement after a short spell working for Stax Birmingham, helping build their garden products wholesale operation.

Phil's funeral will be held on 17th March at 11am at  Redditch Crematorium, Bordesley Lane, Redditch, B97 6RR

 

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Here's what others have said...
Andy Roe,  11 Mar 2016:
...Sad news .I worked with Phil for about 15 years and it was a pleasure and a privilege he was a great character. Condolences to all the family.
Neil Evans,  11 Mar 2016:
...A larger than life character, always helpful and supportive who was greatly missed when he retired. my condolences to phil's family.
Kimbo,  11 Mar 2016:
...Very sad to hear the news. Kimbo was a real genuine guy with a big heart - looking to do his best in everything he done. Always having a laugh and a joke with his colleagues at Solus... Rest in peace fella and don't forget the stainless steel wasp traps 😃 Cheers Gaz and Steve.
Bob Meacham,  10 Mar 2016:
...Phil was a one off, a true gentleman on every level, helped and advised me, Adam and Ness on numerous occasions, always had a smile on his face coupled with the Kimbo chuckle! .. Rest in peace Phil, I will now look out for the Blues scores more often... Condolences to all the family ..
Steve Wain,  10 Mar 2016:
...Saddened to hear of Phils untimely passing. A genuine and friendly guy who always had the time of day. I knew Phil from his days at Erin and mine at Spread, too many years ago. Condolences to his family.
Malcolm Wheeler,  9 Mar 2016:
...Sad to hear of Phil's passing a genuine gentleman of the industry ,I was always pleasure to share some time with him RIP Phil.
Keith Turner,  9 Mar 2016:
...Sad news of Phils passing, real garden trade man had much respect in the trade.
Dean Winters,  8 Mar 2016:
...Such sad news. I had the pleasure of working with Phil for nearly 20 years at Gibbs Palmer & Solus. Phil was a man of great principle, great commitment and even greater humour. He epitomized all that was good about Gibbs & Solus in the 90's and 00's. Rest in peace Kimbo.
Steve Upton,  7 Mar 2016:
...I was deeply shocked and saddened on my return home from a holiday on Saturday to hear of Phil's passing. Our thoughts are with Diane, Sharlene, Craig and the grandchildren. I first met Phil many years ago He as a sales rep and I as a customer. We became colleagues and friends over 25 years ago - and golf buddies, enjoying golf trips to Scotland and after a days golf of 36 holes we would invariably finish our day in one of the local Chinese restaurants! Phil was a joy to know and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
David & Sarah Beauchamp,  7 Mar 2016:
...So very sorry to hear this sad news. We knew Phil for over 30 years and had many laughs together. He was a great guy, always ready to help. There was always lots of banter over his colour choice of pansies (blue and white) we always tried to get him to have claret & blue, but he would have none of it! Sincere condolences to his family. David & Sarah Beauchamp
Bryan Cooper,  4 Mar 2016:
...A true gentleman of the trade, had many happy hours in hotels in Wales over a pint,or two....my condolences to Phil's family.
NICK DAVIES,  4 Mar 2016:
...ONE OF LIFES CHARACTERS WILL BE SADLY MISSED BY ALL .

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