Mackenzie & Cruickshank owner Peter Wilson’s funeral was well attended by friends and family
Tributes have been paid to the owner of a garden centre who has passed away.
Peter Wilson, owner of Mackenzie & Cruickshank, 1 West Road, Forres, died at home on July 24.
The Wilson family announced his passing via the garden centre’s social media page, which has been inundated with tributes.
https://www.facebook.com/MandCForres?locale=en_GB
Mr Wilson is survived by his wife Heather, son Ali and daughter Jessica.
Peter and Heather moved to Forres in 1994.
They bought Mackenzie & Cruickshank, which was originally located in Forres High Street in 1998, and then expanded the business to its current location at the Greshop Industrial Estate in 2003.
Peter’s son Ali is a director and general manager of the business.
He said: “We have been deeply touched and moved by the kind and thoughtful messages that we have received. They have been a huge comfort.
“It is clear from the messages that we have received from our customers, former members of staff, others in the garden centre industry and many other quarters that dad was well respected. It is no doubt that he is going to be sorely missed by so many people.
“Dad had many passions but none so much as the garden centre. Over the last 20 years he has developed the current site into the wonderful business it is today, winning national and local awards which is something the whole Wilson family is very proud of.”
During his early years in Forres, Peter was a member of the Rotary Club and Bridge Club.
He became chairman on the committee which redeveloped the Forres Tennis Club courts, managing to get lottery funding for the project.
He also enjoyed his time helping Forres in Bloom, serving on their committee and becoming chairman for several years.
Peter was also passionate about inspiring young people and worked as a mentor with Developing the Young Workforce Moray and provided employees within Mackenzie & Cruickshank the opportunities to develop their skills through training.
“Working with young people and inspiring his staff was hugely important to dad,” said Ali. “He always saw the best in his team and would always focus on what people did well. He had a huge passion for promoting from within and developing his people whether they had been with us a matter of months or many years.”
Mackenzie & Cruickshank is also a member of Moray Chamber of Commerce and Choice Marketing which specialises in the garden industry.
Both organisations have named awards in memory of Mr Wilson.
Last year, the garden centre won the Moray Chamber award for Corporate Social Responsibility, now known as The Peter Wilson Award for Corporate Social Responsibility.
Whilst Choice Marketing has created the Peter Wilson Sundry Supplier of the Year Cup.
Mr Wilson’s funeral was held on Thursday, August 8 at St Laurence Parish Church.
