Airedale International has sadly announced the passing away of Alan Duttine OBE on 7 November 2015. 

Alan, who co-founded Airedale Air Conditioning Ltd in 1974 with fellow Yorkshireman, Peter Midgley, had been ill for a number of years.

Airedale began life operating in Batley, before moving to premises off the Leeds West Park Ring Road in 1976 which later became and still continue to be known as Airedale House. As the business continued to flourish Airedale relocated to Park Mills, Rawdon in 1979, with the construction of a new factory completed and opened by HRH the Duchess of Kent in 1984.

During his career Alan made an important contribution to raising the profile and professionalism of the air conditioning industry. He chaired Eurovent, as well as presiding over the Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Association (HEVAC) in the UK.

In 1997 he was awarded the OBE in recognition of his achievements and services to the industry. When Airedale was acquired by US-based thermal management company Modine Manufacturing in 2005, Alan had completed four decades at the helm of a business which had grown into a major manufacturing company and, in so doing, had made a significant contribution to both the local and national economies.

Airedale’s managing director, Clive Parkman, said: “We are extremely sad at the passing of Alan. Clearly, he and Peter had tremendous vision in recognising the opportunities for specialised computer room cooling solutions, with comparable products still being sold today.

“We employ many individuals who have worked in the company since the early days and who will remember Alan for his passion for rugby and his ability to live life to the full. We send our deepest sympathies to the family at this very sad time.”

A service to celebrate Alan’s life will take place at 11.30 am on Thursday, 19 November at Christchurch, The Grove, Ilkley, West Yorkshire followed by a social gathering at Ilkley Rugby Club. All are welcome. Floral tributes are restricted to family only but, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Research UK via http://alan.duttine.muchloved.com. Condolences may be sent to John Whitham Funeral Services, 30 St Paul’s Rise, Addingham, West Yorkshire, LS29 0QD, tel 01943 831375