Obituary - Ian Robert Body, 1962 - 2015
25th August 2015

Ian Robert Body, Production Director and co-founder of Norscot Joinery, has died at the age of 54.

Born in Chiswick, West London in September 1962, Ian moved with his family to Caithness in 1978. He served his time as a joiner with D M Geddes & Sons, where he rose to become a foreman and, in 1984 was instrumental in establishing, with his parents and brother, the family business which came to be known as Norscot Joinery.

Norscot started life in a shed in Ian’s garden, manufacturing the ‘Fairmitre’ timber window system. Ian’s father Peter sold them, Ian and brother John-Paul made them and mother Teda made sure they got paid for them. In due course Norscot moved to its current base in Bower and took on the manufacture of PVC-U windows and timber frame house kits.

As Norscot’s Production Director, a post he held for 31 years, Ian loved being on the 'front line' of the production side of the business and was dedicated to and took great pride in his work. He always displayed the highest degree of professionalism and integrity and was well respected within the business community in Caithness and further afield. He was an enthusiastic sports fan and a loyal supporter of Caithness RFC.

Colin Torley, Sales & Marketing Director at The Veka UK Group has many fond memories of Ian, with Norscot being the very first account he worked with when he started at Veka. Colin said: “Norscot has fabricated Veka windows since 1988 and Ian has always been a popular customer for myself and the rest of the team to deal with over the years. He will be sorely missed by us all and on behalf of the whole team at The Veka UK Group we send our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.”

A memorial service will take place on Ian’s birthday on Friday, the 25th of September at Ormlie Lodge in Thurso, starting at 12 noon and anyone who knew Ian is invited to attend. The family wish this to be a celebration of Ian’s life and the dress code will be strictly smart casual and wearing something red, Ian’s favourite colour, would be appreciated. The family have requested no cards or flowers but invite donations to the British Liver Trust.