Widely-respected bus and coach industry consultant, Doug Jack, 78, passed away peacefully on 2 September after a short illness.
A familiar face at bus and coach exhibitions all around the world, his knowledge was considered unrivalled.
As news of his passing spread, one word kept recurring in tributes – ‘icon’.
Born in 1941 and raised in Dunfermline, Fife, Doug’s teenage interest in buses was fostered by Jack Rennie (senior), who owned bus and coach operator Rennies of Dunfermline Ltd (now part of Stagecoach). Within days of his 21st birthday (the then minimum legal age) he had gained a PSV driving licence.
Having graduated from Edinburgh University with a degree in Scots Law, in 1966 he joined Leyland Motors.
After practical training on the shop floor in various departments, he became legal advisor of British Leyland Truck & Bus Division on its formation in 1968 and company secretary in 1971. An enthusiastic traveller, he became export sales manager in 1975.
He subsequently became sales marketing director for Duple Coach Builders, introducing a more modern range of products. As MD at Salvador Caetano (UK), he established a UK subsidiary for the Portuguese bodybuilder.
Transport Resources International (TRI) was established in 1986 by Doug when he recognised the need for a specialist consultancy to advise and assist the manufacturing industry.
Doug is survived by his two sons, Robert (co-founder and editor of Passenger Transport) and James (international business).
The funeral is in Northampton on Wednesday, 23 September. If you wish to attend, in person or online, please contact Robert Jack at robert.jack [@] passengertransport.co.uk.
The family have requested no flowers and instead asked for donations in Doug’s memory to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), a charity reflecting his very international focus.
Read Doug’s full obituary, online at Passenger Transport here
