‘A VISIONARY, ‘pioneer’, ‘local legend’ and ‘true gentleman’ – just some of the tributes which have been paid to Cecil Duckworth CBE following his death at the age of 83.
The man behind the rise of Worcester Bosch and Worcester Warriors ascent to the top-flight of English rugby passed away on Sunday (November 15) at home following a lengthy illness.
The Warriors benefactor was actively involved with the club from 1997 to 2015, when he stepped down as chairman to become club president.
He funded the development of Sixways and inspired Warriors’ rise to the Premiership for the first time in 2004. Sport-loving Duckworth also served as club president with Worcestershire CCC.
His death has seen a flood of tributes from his beloved Warriors past and present and from the many charities and local causes boosted by the work of the Macclesfield-born adopted son of Worcester.
Worcester Bosch chiefs paid an emotional tribute to a ‘unique’ person who kick-started the Bosch journey nearly 60 years ago thanks to £300 from his wife Beatrice.
“Cecil was an extremely talented businessman and entrepreneur, a pioneer, a visionary, an innovator and at the same time a dedicated family man and a caring, fun person to be around, and of course a keen supporter of the Worcestershire area,” CEO Carl Arntzen said.
“Cecil had the spark of an idea, borrowed £300 from his wife and set up our company first known as Worcester Engineering in 1962.
“He pioneered the Combi Boiler here in the UK and grew our company to be the number 1 boiler manufacturer in the UK. He then found a good cultural fit with Bosch and handed over the reins in 1996 and retired aged 59.
“Alongside his work at Warriors, he worked tirelessly in the Worcestershire community helping many charities and working hard on environmental topics by setting up the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust.
“In 2013 Cecil was appointed a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his charitable contributions to the Worcestershire community.
“He was simply ‘one of life’s good guys’ and he will be sorely missed by all,” Mr Arntzen added.
