[H]alton-based wood and coal fuel specialist, Logs Direct, has marked the unexpected passing of one of its delivery drivers with a touching gesture, prompted by the kind comments of many of its customers across north Lancashire and Cumbria, to whom he delivered.
Damien (Damo) Madden, aged 48, originally from Keighley, but living in the Morecambe area for many years, suddenly died in the second week of May, just as Logs Direct had taken charge of a new delivery vehicle to join its ever-expanding fleet.
Damo was a cheeky chappie, who had worked for Logs Direct since 2015, having originally been appointed as a gardener, but quickly promoted to commercial delivery operative for numerous sites.
He loved to have a chat and pursued pastimes of fishing for carp and coarse from Heysham Pier. He leaves a long-term partner, Ange.
As other Logs Direct delivery vehicles are named Elizabeth, after the finance director, Liz Foulds, Ruby after her daughter, and Emma after the office manager, Emma Theobald, the company was struggling to decide what to name its latest delivery truck and was on the verge of putting this out to public suggestion when the shocking news about Damo broke.
As customers received the sad tidings, there was an outpouring of love for the Logs Direct employee. The managers of Park Foot holiday park, Peter and Jean Kaye said: “We all thought very highly of Damien; nothing was too much trouble and, on many occasions, he went way beyond the call of duty, always with a smile.”
Newby Bridge garage said: “Damo will be missed by all at Newby Bridge garage. Such a kind, lovely man who always brightened up our day when he came in for a coffee and chat after delivering to us.”
His humour was something that many people picked up on, with comments relating to his “cheeky banter”, but the other common thread was his dedication to customer service. Chestnut House in Pooley Bridge commented: “Nothing was too much trouble when he was delivering to us and we always had a good crack with him.”
The larger-than-life character leaves a big hole at the Logs Direct wood yard, but at least, by naming the new van, Damo, he will not be forgotten.
Logs Direct’s sales director, Stephen Talbot, says: “Damo worked with us for a number of years and will be sorely missed by both his work colleagues and a significant number of customers, who have grown to know him well. He was always full of enthusiasm for his job and the help he could provide to our customers.”
Finance director, Liz Foulds, adds: “Damo was a loveable rogue and would always brighten up our day. He loved to make people smile, bringing us chocolates and treats into the office. His infamous saying when describing his day always began wryly with, ‘I’m not whingeing … but’. His presence is irreplaceable and he will be sorely missed. Naming our new vehicle after him is a truly fitting tribute.”
Thanks to the fabulous co-operation and understanding of Signs Express in Lancaster, who rushed the job through, the new delivery vehicle already sports Damo’s name and will be taking some of his colleagues to his funeral.
Anyone wishing to mark Damo’s passing is asked to contact the Logs Direct office on 01524 812476.
