Is it again my sad duty to report the passing of another ex-ACMOC member John Collins from Groby, Leicestershire. John passed away earlier this evening after putting up a brave battle against cancer.

John had over 50 years experience of owning, operating and maintaining a wide variety of earthmoving equipment, but he always regarded himself as a Caterpillar man first and foremost.

He started his career in the workshops of Murphy Brothers in Leicester in the late 1950's, where he worked alongside John Burbidge who also sadly passed away earlier his summer.

John was a very competent and proficient operator, but with his master plant mechanic skills he could keep his equipment running whatever the problem thrown at him. He excelled at improvising repairs out in the field, as long as he had his van and his toolkit available, he didn't need a fully equiped workshop and an inventory of spare parts to solve breakdowns. You only had to look at the condition of his hands and fingers to know that he couldn't resist getting stuck into a technical problem with an engine or a tractor.

He was a sought after demolition operator in the Leicester area, especially with a RB (BE) crane fitted with a demolition wrecking ball.

John set up his own earthmoving company JC Plant, he specialised in building fishing lakes for customers and sealing the lakes thoroughly with a clay lining to prevent leakage.

He was an expert tractor and box operator and his plant fleet over the years included all the different serial number variations within the D2, D4, D6, D7, D8 and D9 ranges.

From my perspective John's knowledge and experience was a great asset in the restoration of my D6 9U tractor, whenever I had a problem (there were many) he was always there to offer assistance, support and encouragement. Freely loaning out jacks, tools and any other equipment whenever I needed it.

He will be sadly missed by his many friends both club members and within the wider plant world.

Rest in Peace John

"David wrote:

Is it again my sad duty to report the passing of another ex-ACMOC member John Collins from Groby, Leicestershire. John passed away earlier this evening after putting up a brave battle against cancer.

John had over 50 years experience of owning, operating and maintaining a wide variety of earthmoving equipment, but he always regarded himself as a Caterpillar man first and foremost.

He started his career in the workshops of Murphy Brothers in Leicester in the late 1950's, where he worked alongside John Burbidge who also sadly passed away earlier his summer.

John was a very competent and proficient operator, but with his master plant mechanic skills he could keep his equipment running whatever the problem thrown at him. He excelled at improvising repairs out in the field, as long as he had his van and his toolkit available, he didn't need a fully equiped workshop and an inventory of spare parts to solve breakdowns. You only had to look at the condition of his hands and fingers to know that he couldn't resist getting stuck into a technical problem with an engine or a tractor.

He was a sought after demolition operator in the Leicester area, especially with a RB (BE) crane fitted with a demolition wrecking ball.

John set up his own earthmoving company JC Plant, he specialised in building fishing lakes for customers and sealing the lakes thoroughly with a clay lining to prevent leakage.

He was an expert tractor and box operator and his plant fleet over the years included all the different serial number variations within the D2, D4, D6, D7, D8 and D9 ranges.

From my perspective John's knowledge and experience was a great asset in the restoration of my D6 9U tractor, whenever I had a problem (there were many) he was always there to offer assistance, support and encouragement. Freely loaning out jacks, tools and any other equipment whenever I needed it.

He will be sadly missed by his many friends both club members and within the wider plant world.

Rest in Peace John

Oh dear that's a shame. My D4 came from John.

Regards Julian.

Deepest sypmathy expressed to Johns family and friends, May He Rest In Peace.
AJ