Foodservice consultant and former FCSI chairman Richard Wedgbury dies
Foodservice consultant and former FCSI UK & Ireland chairman Richard Wedgbury has died. Wedgbury, who owned catering consultancy Alexander Jon Richardson and Associates was 67 when he passed away peacefully on 4 April 2013 with his family at his side.
Friend and fellow consultant Andrew Etherington said: "Richard was a very kind and gentle man. He was a genuine friend and mentor who generously gave his time and knowledge. He will be greatly missed by everyone."
Wedgbury started his career working in operations for a major restaurant chain, having completed an HND at Westminster Catering College. He spotted a gap in the market to sell pies to independent pubs and restaurants, which he did from the back of a van.
In the 1990s he worked for Compass Group selling into the independent school market in East Anglia before joining forces, in 1999, to set up Goodfellows Catering, with Norman Deas (current non-executive with Pride Catering Partnership) before founding his own catering consultancy.
From 2005-2007 Wedgbury was chairman of the Foodservice Consultants Society International UK & Ireland, introducing initiatives including the Allied Members Code of Conduct, encouraging closer liaison with CEDA and CESA and the Young Persons Initiative. He was recognised for his contribution to the FCSI with a special award in 2011.
Wedgbury was an active Freemason and attained high office within the organisation, as well as being an avid fisherman and fan of malt whisky. He leaves behind his wife Marilyn, three sons and a daughter.
The funeral will take place on 16 April 2013 at Doddington Parish Church, Cambridgeshire. Wedgbury's family have requested that anyone wishing to send flowers, should instead make a donation to Cancer Research UK. For details please contact admin@fcsi.org