Brian CharlesOAKLEYBrian Oakley, pioneer of horsebox transportation as it is recognized today has died at his Hertfordshire home at the age of 92. Starting from scratch he has spent the last eight decades building the Oakley Horsebox Company into the renowned success it is today in the equestrian world.
At just 14 years of age he put his skills learned in school carpentry lessons to use when he built his first horsebox on chassis of an ex-army Ford lorry bought by his father for £40. He always claimed he was never paid for his efforts when his father sold the horsebox for £200 but he had tasted success and the seed was sown in the mind of a natural entrepreneur.
Working on Mosquito aircraft as an apprentice at De Havilland, alongside his late brother Barry, his construction skills were developed. This was followed by National Service with the RAF when he worked as an airframe fitter and engineer.
Now with natural aptitude and honed engineering skills he started to construct horseboxes in earnest. Initially working in the open air on the site of wartime allotments where today's factory now stands, he found an eager market for lorries tailored to equestrians both professional and amateur alike.
He developed the concept of building lorries with a comfortable living area and a separate area for horses. Steadily his Oakley Horseboxes became sought after by equestrians both internationally and in a growing home market.
He remained very involved in the business and developing new ideas until recently when failing health meant he could no longer continue at his factory on a daily basis, passing on the reins to his children in what has truly become a family business, now in its third generation.
Brian Oakley's funeral will be held at St. John's Church, High Cross, Ware, SG11 1AZ on Thursday 28th August at 12 noon. Family flowers only. Donations in Brian's memory may be made directly to Isabel Hospice, Hertfordshire.
For all enquiries please contact Powell Funeral Service, Nelson Court, Walton Road, Ware SG12 0AA. Tel. 01920 463 260.
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