George Knowles Sr, the founder of Scottish furniture retail business Sterling (now Sterling Home), passed away on the morning of Friday 20th February.
George's grandchildren Murray, Euan and George, who work in the family business, shared the following with Sterling's team: "We’re very sorry to share that our grandfather, George Smith Knowles Sr, passed away early this morning. Many of you will have known him personally or worked with him over the years, so we know this news will mean a great deal to many across the business, not just to us as a family.
"Retail was in his blood. His grandfather founded Knowles House Furnishers, where he later took over from his father, and in 1974 he started Sterling, gradually stepping back from the old business as the new one grew.
"From those early days in Tillicoultry, he built something that became part of communities across Scotland. In the late 1980s he handed leadership to his son George and, after his sad passing in the early 2000s, the business continued through the next generation of the family, including his daughter Lesley Graham and those of us who followed. That continuity always meant a great deal to him.
"Those who worked with him will remember him exactly as he was. Straight talking, sometimes blunt, always determined, and deeply caring about people. Many will also remember the unmistakable sound of him clearing his throat somewhere in the building, the early warning that he was on his way and you’d better know your numbers.
"We know the business has gone through a lot of change, and retail is evolving faster than it ever has. We haven’t always got everything right, and we won’t pretend we always will, but we have a great business here because of the people in it. We’re determined to do him proud, and we can only do that because of all of you.
"Thank you for the kindness and support many of you have already shown our family. It means a great deal."
Read about the company's recent progress in our interview with Euan Graham here.
