Andrew Douglas

(T. 1973–1978) D. December 16th 2023

Andrew Douglas attended Wrekin between 1973–1978 having been to Dormy House, The Leas, and Kingsmead schools on the Wirral. Once settled, (in Tudor House) he thoroughly enjoyed his time at Wrekin where he excelled at all sports, performing with distinction as the first XV full-back and an acrobatic wicketkeeper in the first XI. At school, he started to develop a very keen mind with an academic bent that served him well in later life as he went on to obtain a BA Hons in Economic History in 1982, a PhD in Economic and Social History in 1993, and an MPhil in History in 2000, all from the University of Liverpool. The latter two were obtained whilst working as the Managing Director and then Chairman of the family company, a role which he took up in his mid-twenties and in which he proved to be eminently suited and very successful.

A brilliant strategist, he was able to rapidly assess situations and make clear, timely, and unemotional decisions. A wonderful delegator, he had a caring way with people who won the love and respect of friends and work colleagues alike.

Andrew was not a man for half-measures and applied his intellect with gusto to any subject that interested him. Away from the family business he invested in a diverse range of businesses and sectors, always utilising his forensic approach to research to great effect. Widely read on many subjects including religion and philosophy he was a wonderful chess player, knowledgeable of art, and had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the music and art of Bob Dylan.

His sporting success continued after Wrekin but this time on the football pitch where he won considerable renown as a striker for Liverpool Ramblers Football Club. A teammate remembered “he was a quick, skilful attacking centre forward who had the wonderful ability to score goals. He was two-footed and a great player to have on your side. He was always level-headed, never gave up, and was a great example to everyone.”

A keen supporter of Liverpool Football Club, the efforts he went to in arranging for others to have the use of his season tickets were typical of the generosity of his character. He was genuinely interested in other people which, with his strong but gentle personality endeared him to so many of those whose lives he touched. Philanthropy was embedded in Andrew’s psyche. To date over £56 million has been given to health charities by the publishing company, his grandfather started in 1962 which Andrew managed so successfully for over forty years. He gave to and supported numerous individuals and organisations. He had a particularly close relationship with the University of Liverpool, where he founded prizes for outstanding students in history at BA and MA levels and funded prizes in the Management School for PhD students. He was consulted regularly by the Alumni Relations Team when planning activities and strategies over many years. Sadly, Andrew’s sporting activity was curtailed by M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) and the condition became increasingly troublesome and debilitating over the years. It was a cause of great frustration and anguish that despite his considerable efforts, he could find no relief from the effects of the illness which was undoubtedly a significant factor in his premature passing. Andrew was a versatile businessman, sportsman, and academic with a warm and engaging character that generated confidence and affection in those around him. He is survived by his partner Selina, sister Victoria, and brother Bobby (OW).

On Friday 19th January a celebration of Andrew’s life was held on the Wirral which was attended by over 300 including the following OWs (some of whom had travelled from far and wide): Nigel Wallis, Tim Crutchley, Peter Cooke, Mark Mogridge, Marten Teasdale-Brown, Richard Southall, Robert Allen, John Bardsley, James McInroy, David Lewis, Bob Hyatt, Dave McCormick, and Roy Dean.