Holiday tragedy (From Stroud News and Journal)

Holiday tragedy

A CAPTAIN of industry who was just beginning to enjoy his well-earned retirement has had his life cut short by a tragic road accident while holidaying in Spain.

Richard Watson Furley, 57, and his wife Pamela were on holiday in Southern Spain last Monday night when their hire car was hit head on by another car driven by a young Spanish man.

He was the son of Stroud's tireless charity worker Graham Furley best known for his involvement in the Ebley Fireworks and for driving a VW Beetle converted into Santa's sled at local Goodwill evenings.

Richard Furley lived in Cheltenham but was born and grew up in Stroud.

He took his A-Levels at Marling School before studying at Durham University. Mr Furley died from injuries sustained in the crash.

His wife was airlifted back to the UK at the weekend and is now in Cheltenham General Hospital waiting for surgery to an injured shoulder. Her husband's remains were also flown home.

"He was a dynamic, strong character," said Richard's sister, Jane Oldmeadow, who lives in Rodborough. "But very moderate in his views.

"He was very logical and was regarded very highly by his friends, business associates and clients.

"He left a strong impression wherever he went in the world and for me as his sister he was my hero."

Mr Furley had recently retired from a prestigious job with Ford which had taken him all over the world as a buyer.

He and his wife had decided to take a week away from the drizzly weather and were looking forward to enjoying the Spanish sunshine.

They were just minutes from their destination when the tragic accident occurred. "It has been a very difficult time," said Jane.

"We've had one or two absolutely wonderful people help us through a lot of hard grind and great emotional trauma and we are very grateful to them."

Mr Furley is survived by his wife Pamela and daughters Nicola and Julia. The family have yet to make funeral arrangements but are planning to hold the service in this area.