Tributes paid to ‘dedicated and brilliant’ Yorkshire entrepreneur

Alan Duttine, former joint managing director and co-founder of Airedale:

Mr Duttine was the co-founder of Airedale Air Conditioning, which grew to become a leading international manufacturer of chillers and precision air conditioning. He will also be remembered for his tireless work to promote the interests of the UK and European heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry.

Mr Duttine was raised in Buttershaw, Bradford. In 1974, Mr Duttine co-founded Airedale Air Conditioning with Peter Midgley. The company began life in Batley, but in 1976 it moved to Airedale House, off the Leeds West Park Ring Road. The business flourished and in 1979, Airedale acquired Park Mills, Rawdon, where a new factory was opened in 1984. In 1997, Mr Duttine was awarded the OBE, and by the time Airedale was acquired by US-based Modine Manufacturing in 2005, the company had grown to employ 450 staff worldwide.

A talented sportsman, he was a long-standing member of Bingley (later Bradford & Bingley) Rugby Club.

A family spokesman said: “Alan was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2004, which he fought with determination and dignity, as he had fought many battles throughout his life.

“Above all, he was a loving and proud family man.”

He is survived by Lynda, his wife of 44 years, and their four children and five grandchildren.

A service to celebrate his life will take place at 11.30am on Thursday November 19 at Christchurch, The Grove, Ilkley followed by a social gathering at Ilkley Rugby Club. All are welcome.