Tributes paid to motor group’s joint founder

Tributes have been paid to the joint founder of Ron Brooks who has recently passed away.

The motor group has announced the death of Elsie Brooks, who had been a director of the Ilkeston-based firm since its inception on 1 July 1962, founding the business with husband Ron.

Managing director Kevin Slack, who was Elsie’s son-in-law, said: “She was a special lady with strong principles.

“She was hard working and continued to be dedicated to the Ron Brooks business following the death of Ron in 1998 and her daughter Julie in 1999.

“She relished the challenge of a woman working in the male dominated motor industry in the last 60 years.

“Her family was also very important to her with many working in the business over the years.

“She spent lots of time with her siblings and many nieces and nephews and leaves her two beloved grandsons, Tom and Joe.”

This year, Ron Brooks has been celebrating its 60th anniversary with a number of events.

It has held a Toyota franchise at its Ilkeston dealership for nearly half a century, making it one of the longest running Toyota Centres in the UK. The business also has a Suzuki dealership.

Kevin said: “I am pleased Elsie lived to see the business celebrate 60 years in business on 30 June. She has left a great legacy.”

Thank you for everything you did for the business and Rest in Peace Elsie from all at Ron Brooks Motor Group.