Derek Moss

DEREK Moss, who founded Moss Tyres in York with his father, became president of the National Tyre Dealers' Association and was also a well-known local sportsman, has died on the eve of his 80th birthday. He had been suffering from cancer for five months.

Born in Preston on May 1, 1930, he moved to York when he was five and attended Fulford Junior School before going to Manor Higher Grade Secondary School for Boys.

On leaving school Mr Moss worked for Thomas Cook travel agents in Coney Street, York and then went to Yorkshire Factoring Company before doing his National Service in the RAF from the age of 18.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

When his two-year National Service spell was completed, he worked for the Goodyear Tyre Company in Wolverhampton and there met his wife, Pat.

He worked his way through the organisation, learning about the tyre trade and eventually became a representative for the company. On moving to York he served on the Yorkshire National Tyre Dealers' Association committee. This led to being elected to the National NTDA Council, eventually being made president in 1978.

Mr Moss had joined his father in 1957 to form Moss Tyres, their first depot being in Cemetery Road, York. When he married Pat their first home was in a flat above the depot. Later the main depot was on Foss Islands Road, York. The company gradually expanded and at its height there were 13 depots in Yorkshire.

He was a keen all-round sportsman, having spells as a member of Sycamore and Acomb Tennis Clubs and York Railway Institute Badminton Club. He was also a member of York Bridge Club and had his name on the club's honours board. He also turned to golf he joining Fulford Golf Club.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Always willing to try different sports, Mr Moss joined Filey Sailing Club and it was sailing that became his passion in later life. For the past 16 years he was a member of Ripon Sailing Club where he was an accomplished dinghy racer, winning many trophies.

He was also successful at Lake Bassenthwaite during the famous "Bass Week" and Blakeney Regatta Week in Norfolk where in 2002, he won three major trophies, beating experienced sailors from all over the country.

He regularly exercised at the David Lloyd Sports Centre in York in addition to often cycling 20-30 miles in the country.

In his 70s, Mr Moss became computer literate, which enabled him to keep in regular contact with his brother in Australia and other distant relatives.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He nursed his wife during her ill-health in the last five years, during which time he became an excellent cook.

Eric Wilson, from Poppleton, a friend from junior school days for 72 years, said: "Derek was a popular figure all the time I knew him and he quietly did a lot of good work behind the scenes.

"He supported many charities in addition to sponsoring individuals, although I only got to know this after he had died. We had many happy times together on tennis and badminton courts in addition to the golf course."

David Felgate, president of Fulford Golf Club, was sales director of Moss Tyres and worked for the company for 38 years. He said: "Derek was a very good employer and a most considerate person. I enjoyed all my working life with him."

Mr Moss is survived by his wife.

Related topics: