Mary Spiller, co-founder of Arleen Coaches of Bath, died on 14 April at the age of 95 after 60 years working for the family business.
Mary started Arleen Coaches with late husband Arthur in 1965 and was still involved until about eight weeks before her death.
Her great grandfather, George Alford, began the family’s tradition in coaching in May 1925 when he started operating charabancs as Alford and Sons in Coleford.
Colin Inman, Arleen Coaches Transport and General Manager, pays tribute to an “amazing woman” and notes it was sad that she narrowly missed marking that 100th anniversary.
In particular, he remarked on her “amazing” mathematical skills. “You’d give her a set of figures and she would do it all in her head and be spot on,” he says.
Colin adds the business was “her life” and this extended to living on the premises.
Her key role in the operation, which included driving, continued after the death of Arthur in 2007.
Her son Alan is Managing Director, while grandsons Kristian and Justin also continue the family line as directors of the 19-vehicle-strong operator.
