Ken Sumner of NDY Coach Sales passed away on 2 April aged 96.
Born in Canada, Mr Sumner was educated in England before joining RAF Bomber Command where he served for two tours as a bomb aimer. He was presented with a Distinguished Flying Medal by King George VI.
After being demobbed he began farming in Yorkshire before moving to Newcastle in 1953, where he sold commercial vehicles for a Vauxhall dealership.
Mr Sumner became the first salesman for Alf Mosley after meeting him at the Earl’s Court motor show in 1959. He covered a vast area and forged lasting friendships with coach operators within the industry, opening a dealership in his own right with NDY Coach Sales in 1975.
Mr Sumner worked until the age of 80 and kept a vigilant eye on the business long after retirement. He will be missed by many.
