Richard Harding dies peacefully at home
It is with great sadness that the Four Oaks family announces the death of owner Richard Harding age 77. Richard passed away peacefully at home last night. He had retired from the running of the business some years prior due to ill health, but still lived at Four Oaks Nurseries, Cheshire and will be missed.
He is succeeded by two children, Andrew and Annabel and a grandchild Yasmin.
Richard was a successful businessman throughout his life. He came out of retirement in Mallorca to enter the horticultural world, with his purchase of Channel Island Plants and then the Four Oaks group of businesses in 2002, investing heavily to secure the future of the site and its team.
A gregarious man, Richard became well known to customers of the Four Oaks Cash and Carry, as a specialist in Indian antiques that he imported for restoration and resale at Four Oaks Direct, and at the annual Four Oaks Trade Show where he very much enjoyed socialising during his healthier years.
Richard stated in an interview with The Grower in January 2004 “I get a kick out of seeing the business becoming successful’ and his Four Oaks legacy is exactly that, with a thriving Cash & Carry looking to expand, Four Oaks Direct retail outlet on-site which recently expanded to a presence at Lowe’s in Middlewich and the 50th anniversary trade show taking place on 6 & 7 September 2022.
Our sincere condolences go out to Richard’s family and friends. Details of his funeral will be added to this article when they become available.
The Four Oaks businesses will continue as usual, in the hands of current Directors and management.