It is with great sadness that Stamco Timber announces the death of its charismatic Chairman, Leon Shepperdson. Leon passed away on 27 September after a short illness.
Leon led a full and successful life both personally and professionally. In May 2007 he made the headlines celebrating Stamco Timber’s 50th year of operation and its exciting developments for growing the company further. His many business interests included property, music, restaurants, timber and football.
Once a small timber company in Hastings, Stamco Timber marked its half century with a £1.1 Million investment in new machinery; to offer wholesale timber machining services that will rival the leading mills in the UK and Scandinavia, for prepared timber and mouldings. Leon established two additional arms to the business, a builders’ merchant network, known as Stamco Building Supplies, with branches in Hastings, Hove and Eastbourne and a national flooring business, Karelia Wood Flooring.
As sole shareholder of the company, Leon had a clear succession plan in place. The ownership of the company remains within the current board of directors and the company will continue with all of its existing operations and exciting new developments under the direction of Managing Director, Roger Brightiff.
Leon was born in June 1935 and won scholarships to both RADA and to Oxford University. He joined his parents’ company in 1957 while also following a varied acting career in both the theatre and on television. His well respected performances in Shakespeare plays included productions in the UK alongside Ralph Richardson and a tour in South America. His TV roles included parts in Dixon of Dock Green and Coronation Street.
In the early 1970s, he was a high-profile music promoter managing popular artists such as Eddy Grant. He ran a successful restaurant in Hastings for many years and had property interests in London and subsequently in Hastings and St. Leonards.
Leon became a very well known local personality when he revolutionised non-league football with his dynamic leadership and personal investment in St Leonards Football Club. He led them in promotion to the Southern League Premier Division in 1997/8.
Once Leon had made his mark on dramatically growing the business, he enjoyed over ten years of happy retirement pursuing many of his personal interests away from the business. These included a move back into the arts with the launch of a singing career and a debut rock album, at the age of 66, with his musical partner, Stephen Cullis. Leon always enjoyed his wide range of interests and large circle of friends. He will be greatly missed.
