Gerald Procter

GERALD Procter, who has died at the age of 79, combined his career as a solicitor and business leader – he was made an MBE in 1998 for his services to the business community – with a love of flying and a life-long interest in farming.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Oct 2010, 23:53 BST
Updated 22nd Oct 2010, 23:53 BST

He also played many pivotal roles in his community.

Coroner for Beverley and Holderness, he served, among many other things, as a county councillor, a city councillor and as chairman of Hull Watch Committee and the Hull Licensing Committee.

Herbert Gerald Procter (always known as Gerald) went to Holgate Grammar School, Barnsley, then to Hull Grammar School, and from there to Hull University and eventually the Guildford Law School.

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He was articled in Hull as a trainee solicitor with Edward Lesley Wright, and having won awards and scholarships qualified with honours as a solicitor in 1955.

On qualification he went into the RAF as one of the rare group of national servicemen selected for training as aircrew. He came top of his course, and with his pilot's wings was awarded the sword of honour. He enjoyed his service as a fighter pilot flying Vampire jets, and was promoted to flying officer.

Flying had now become an integral part of his life.

In 1956 he married Pauline, the daughter of Alderman Maud Heath MBE, a former Lord Mayor of Hull.

On leaving the RAF in 1957, he worked in various legal firms before joining Harold Jackson in 1960 as a partner in the Hull firm Stamp, Jackson and Sons.

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It was then renamed Stamp, Jackson & Procter. Gerald was senior partner from 1968 until his retirement in 1997, after which he remained an active consultant to the firm and a trustee of many trusts until his death.

Throughout his career he was a patient, if demanding, mentor to

articled clerks, trainees and junior solicitors who flourished under his guidance.

Under his leadership following Harold Jackson's death, the business grew from a small sole-practitioner firm into a major player, advising a wide range of family-owned businesses, farms, landed estates and helping the injured in serious injury claims. He specialised in commercial and tax law.

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A Hull City councillor, he was vice-chairman of Humberside County Councillor and Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee.

He was a trustee of the Hull Philharmonic Society Trust and had held appointments as: Chairman of Yorkshire and Humberside Chambers of Commerce; President of the Hull Junior Chamber of Commerce and Shipping; President of Hull & East Riding Chamber of Commerce; President of the Hull Literary and Philosophical Society; and President of Hull Incorporated Law Society.

He was a proficient pianist and until shortly before his death, he and his wife led active lives; he particularly enjoyed walks with fellow members of the Rickety Ramblers.

Mr Procter is survived by his wife Pauline, children Andrew, Deborah and Nicholas and his nine grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at St. Augustine's Church, Hedon at 2.30pm on Tuesday.

Related topics:MBERAFHull