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OBITUARY SABS_Energize_70x297_GAS_04-2021.pdf 1 2021/04/12 20:11

Obituary: Gary Willis,

sales director, First Cut

by Andrew Poole and Ian McCrystal, First Cut

he management and staff of
First Cut, together with local and
Tinternational colleagues, mourn
the loss of First Cut’s sales director Gary
Willis, who passed away on Thursday
evening 1 April, at the age of 51. Gary
fought an 18-month battle with cancer
very bravely, remaining resolutely positive
until the end.
Since starting work in his late father’s
tungsten carbide tool tip business SABS_energize_04/2021
in 1990, Gary garnered a wealth of
experience in the industrial tool sector, in
the supply of cutting consumables and,
latterly, in the retailing of do-it-yourself
75 Years of dedication
(DIY) tools.
C
Gary had a 25-year history Gary Willis M to Quality Compliance
with First Cut, with some 15 years
in a senior management position, benefit of his team. Because of this Y SABS operates under the guidance of a
culminating in his position as sales character trait, Gary was uniformly CM Professional Scientist and an accredited full
director, heading up the Consumables trusted and respected by all. Gary will MY member of International Committee for Coal
division. He took his role and indeed be sorely missed by the staff and Organic Petrology (ICCP).
CY
contribution to the business – and and management of First Cut. • SCAP
CMY
the industry as a whole – extremely Gary leaves his wife Katy, daughter • CBAP
seriously, was highly diligent and Lauren, his mother and his brother K • DOMVR
always thought deeply about his David. He was a dedicated family man,
responsibilities. was loving and highly protective over Analysis on Shale The awarding of Dispersed
In his approach to business, Gary his family; and always focused on their Organic Matter Accreditation Program
had a “hands-on”, practical approach safety and well-being. He put the loves (DOMVR) to SABS Petrology Laboratory places
which was very logical and measured, of his life – Katy and Lauren – first. Our the laboratory in a unique position to participate
with a talent for dealing with the detail. thoughts and prayers go to his family in the shale gas space. This enables the
These skills really came to the fore when during this very difficult time. laboratory to participate in the potential
implementing sales strategy. Gary’s It has been an honour and privilege development of the shale gas industry in Africa,
characteristically careful and consistent working with and getting to know in particular the southern part of the continent
approach contributed substantially to the Gary over the past 25 years. We (South Africa). The DOMVR accreditation
successful management of First Cut’s complemented one another’s strengths program enables SABS to offer the following
Consumables division – very much the and weaknesses, forming a close and analyses in shale gas space:
“heart” of the business. cohesive partnership with much mutual • Random Reflectance analysis on shale
He was also always well prepared, synergy and benefit. He was both a • Maceral analysis on shale
whether for an Exco meeting, a meeting colleague of the highest order and a
with a customer or his weekly Friday genuine friend. We worked hard together, Other geochemical analysis SABS offers:
afternoon sales meetings. When making we laughed, we celebrated, we dug deep • Total carbon,• Total organic carbon (TOC)
suggestions and decisions, he always when necessary – but most of all we • Total inorganic carbon
considered the well-being of his staff, his enjoyed and valued his company. n • Total Sulphur
• X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)
customers, and his suppliers.
He was always open – ear, heart, Contact First Cut, Tel 011 614-1112, Book your Lab
and mind – to the people around him, www.firstcut.co.za Appointment
and he listened carefully, considering NOW
everyone’s viewpoints calmly and Ed: The management and staff of
with sensitivity. He was a highly loyal Energize extend their condolences to 0861 277 227
manager, fighting robustly for the Gary’s family and colleagues.
info@sabs.co.za
www.sabs.co.za SCAN & BOOK

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