Arrangements for the Celebration of Life of Frank Dyson
The Old Farm Hotel
Friday 21st June 2024, 1pm
Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life for Frank from 1pm-4pm on Friday 21st June.
A private cremation has already taken place, however Frank’s family plan to say a few words in his memory, and a buffet, tea and cakes will be served and the bar will be available.
Address: The Old Farm Hotel, 108 Linden Rd, Bournville, Birmingham B30 1LA
If the carpark at the hotel is full you should also be able to park in Beech Road B301LL
Donations – If you wish to make a donation in Frank’s Memory please consider the RBH Charity. More details when you click this link.
Frank’s family welcome any tributes, words of remembrance and stories about him so do feel free to leave any messages at the bottom of this webpage. (Please note comments are moderated so do not go live immediately)
Frank Dyson – A Life Well-Travelled
Frank Dyson, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on 10th May 2024, at the age of 80. Born Edward Franklyn Dyson on 29th September 1943, he was known to all simply as ‘Frank’ – a true Yorkshireman through and through. Frank lived a life filled with adventure, dedication, and a love for exploration.
Born and bred in Yorkshire, Frank had a reputation for his straightforwardness and honesty. He always spoke his mind, called a spade a spade, and never shied away from telling the truth. This integrity was evident throughout his career in textile technology. His journey took him from ICI to Marks & Spencer and finally to Dewhirst, where his knowledge and guidance were invaluable to colleagues. He never played politics or pandered to anyone, earning the respect and admiration of those who worked alongside him.
Beyond his professional life, Frank was a devoted family man. He shared 56 wonderful years of marriage with his wife, Susan Margaret Dyson. Their love story was one for the ages, filled with laughter, shared passions, and unwavering support. Together, they built a loving home and raised three children: Kirsty, Hannah, and Richard.
His grandchildren held an especially cherished place in Frank’s heart. He shared a particularly close bond with his eldest grandson, Matthew, Hannah’s son, almost like a second father to him. Kirsty’s children, Finley and Esme, also brought him immense joy. Frank and Esme shared a unique connection, complete with their own special pet names: he called her “Poppy Boo,” and she affectionately knew him as “Big Grandpa.” When Finley and Esme moved to America in 2015, Frank missed them dearly, but their absence only fueled his desire to visit them across the ocean as often as possible. His youngest son Richard’s daughter, Nara, added another layer of joy and love to his later years.
Frank’s adventurous spirit was evident in his love for travel, particularly in his later years where he enjoyed memorable cruises. He loved being outdoors in nature, and walking provided the perfect way to share this passion with his friends and family. Those walks became cherished memories, evolving into ambitious treks along the Thames Path, navigating the bustling streets of London, and conquering the majestic mountains of New Zealand.
A lifelong Formula One enthusiast, Frank’s passion extended beyond the spectator stands. In his younger years, he even served as a pit crew member for his brother-in-law’s racing team. His love for cars remained a constant throughout his life, and he was always ready to offer his children sage advice on their next vehicle purchase.
Frank Dyson will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, adventure, and unwavering love. Those who knew Frank will forever remember his warmth and the genuine interest he showed in their lives. Whenever you spoke to him, without fail, the first words he’d utter were always, “How are the kiddos?” His love for his family, especially his grandchildren, knew no bounds.
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Thinking of you all at this sad time
I miss my Daddy, the man who made me the person I am today; tenacious , fair, ambitious and happy. The man I adored and the man I admired. He wasn’t always perfect but he was mine.
Today we cleared out his room at the care home. They loved him and looked after him so well there. I adopted one of his cardigans and will wear it often
Frank was a huge support to me during my time at M&S. As a supplier he challenged me many times but I was a better technologist for it! He was always happy to share his knowledge and expertise. Over time we became friends as Sue & he adopted ‘us youngsters’ into his family! He used to say being close to us meant he could understand his own children better!
Frank knew how to enjoy life and his love of holidays certainly rubbed off. I’m sitting on a sunbed as I write this thinking of him. Goodbye Frank and thanks for the memories! With love to Sue and the family.
Debi & Dave
Xx
Frank and I worked together at M&S for several years. Sue and he invited me, together with my M&S friendship group, into his family on many occasions. During my time at M&S, I felt honoured to be considered one of his friends. I remember Frank as a man dedicated to his work and also his family. He only ever wanted the best for both. Frank appeared to find the right balance between work and life, something that I’ll always envy. Frank’s time has come to take a well deserved rest. I sincerely hope that one day, we’ll meet again.
Most most sincere and best wishes to Frank’s family. May your think only of the good times you had together.
Anne Kirk
Sad news of the passing of Frank .
Will never forget the fun and laughter we all had in Lanzarote ,such a wonderful time of our lives.
Terrys and Frank always had a joke to share and the family had such fun.
Remembering you all with love .
Frank and I became very close friends from our days at Bingley Grammar School where we represented the school in all age groups as props in the rugby team. Although we took different routes in further education our friendship continued. I was honoured to be his best man on his marriage to Sue. Work commitment’s took us to different locations, but we found ways of allowing our growing families to enjoy each other’s company. When our children were old enough to look after themselves Sue would organise holidays in North Yorkshire, Norfolk, Derbyshire Peak District and Cotswold for her & Frank, myself & wife Ruth and another school friend Tony & wife Suzanne. I have always felt Frank was close enough to seek advice on resolving any issues on my journey through life. I miss him.
I’m pleased to say Frank undoubtedly made a profound impact on me through much of my life.
He talked me through numerous ‘life’ situations; job changes, a divorce and the passing of my own father to name but three, but on every occasion he was there when I needed someone to talk to. He was reliable and straightforward and there was a ‘frankness to Frank’
I worked for Frank in M&S in ‘men’s trousers’ our manager was Bob Underwood, a nice guy, he had a palm pilot when they first came out and would keep a ‘to do’ no list on it. One day he came into the office through the far door, Frank saw him and immediately said to me, “he’ll look down at his thing in a second, that’s our que to get out this door and go for a coffee… we don’t want any more jobs!’
He was dry, called a spade a spade and could always be relied on, but didn’t like being given stuff to do 😃
Frank was an exceptional Yorkshireman – highly intelligent, very straightforward and with a great sense of humour!
He was also very loyal, and as his career progressed from Courtaulds to Marks & Spencer and Dewhirst, he will have been of enormous value to each employer.
Whether as assistant technologist or Technical Director his approach was always ‘let’s cut the crap, roll up our sleeves and get to the bottom of this problem’.
He always had time for people – the sewing girl on the shop floor, the visiting supplier with very poor English or the CEO of a huge Company – they all received his full, measured and courteous attention.
No wonder he had so many friends and admirers.
I was lucky enough to work alongside him for a few years at the end of his professional career and to benefit from his huge knowledge and experience – it was also the greatest fun!