In memory of Gill Watkins

[Armortek]

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gill Watkins, former owner of Armortek. Gill passed away after a short illness on Friday the 29th of November.

Many of you in the Armortek community would have known Gill well, spoken with her on the phone or exchanged emails and even met her at the Armortek factory, or the many events that she hosted and attended with Mark. The Armortek community will remember Gill for being a kind-hearted, energetic and, enthusiastic person.

We will remember Gill for having a great warmth about her and for always offering to help out – be that at the Open Days, at the packing table packing parts almost as long as her, looking after our dog or the countless other things she selflessly did for all of us. We will remember her laughter, encouragement, positivity and determination and not to forget her wittiness. It was Gill who came up with names like “angel poo” for the packing peanuts we use, or the “toilet seat” for the turret base of the Tiger tanks.

We will miss Gill immensely and our heartfelt condolences are with Mark, Daniel and Sara.

[Phil Woollard]

My word, ..... there but for the grace of God go I! That is such sad news. She was a wonderful person indeed, we got on so well and nothing was ever to much trouble. She will be missed by all. So sorry for your loss Mark x kind regards Phil.

[Kevin Hunter]

Such awful news- I’m absolutely gobsmacked.
Like many of our community I was lucky to have met Gill in person on a few occasions. She was such a lovely person.
I can’t begin to imagine how Mark, and their family, must feel right now. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult of times.

[Steve Lewington]

Rest peacefully sweet Gill one of the lovely people in this world.
Lots of love.

Muttley and shorty xx

[Dave Dibb (Armorpax)]

My sincere condolences to Mark, Daniel and Sara.

Dave

[Martin Paul]

Sorry to hear such sad news.

Whilst I never had the opportunity of meeting Gill in person it was always a pleasure to speak to her on the phone from the USA.

She was always extremely helpful, Cheerful and understanding and offered those of us who lived abroad a fantastic Armortek experience.

Please pass on my sincere condolences to Mark, Daniel and Sara.

Rest In Peace

[Bryan Brown]

Rest in Peace a truly wonderful lady who will be sorely missed.

[Vince Cutajar]

Sad to hear such news.

My sincere condolences to Mark, Daniel and Sara.

Vince

[David Brady]

I express my sincere sympathy to Mark and his Family at this time of sadness, rest in peace Gill x

David

[simon_manning]

A lovely person, Fun and Smart, i was lucky to have known you Gill, such sad new's, i will not forget you, regards simon.x

[Simon Peck]

I’m very sorry to hear this. It was meeting Mark and Gill in person, their hospitality and banter that persuaded me to become a customer. My thoughts and best wishes to Mark and his family.

[Martin Diessel]

R.I.P. my sincere condolences to Mark, Daniel and Sara
Martin

[michael hilton]

Dear Lord, what sad news, one of the sweetest most helpful of people I have ever known. I only ever spoke to Gill on the telephone, nothing was ever to much trouble, no challenge went unanswered, no request refused. I always hoped one day to meet Gill, maybe one day...I will. God rest Gill Watkins.

[Chris Hall]

I knew Gill ..... and she was lovely.

Of course it started with Liesel, my first Armortek purchase. I spoke to her on the phone on a Friday, placing the order (with some trepidation !) and cheekily asking for the last one (50 of 50), at Helen's (my wife) prompting. She rang back on Monday to confirm, and got Helen - and was very diplomatic until she was sure Helen had approved the whole thing ! The Ladies then bonded over a mutual love of dogs, and tank-obsessed husbands.

Throughout that build I seemed to contact her constantly for extra nuts, bolts and rivets, which she immediately supplied. It was only later that (a) I found out they were dirt-cheap on Fleabay, and (b) Mark told me I was over-engineering the whole thing ! That was Gill - generous and unquestioning.

We finally met at the World Record event. I walked in, and she looked at me questioningly. So I pointed at Liesel, she shouted "Chris !", and threw her arms around me. That was Gill -again.

She was always a welcoming presence at shows, events and Ooen Days, even after she and Mark had 'moved on'. She will leave a (smallish ) hole in the lives of everyone who had the privilege to meet her - but one impossible to fill.

This is a wonderful community, and I know that Mark, Sara and Daniel will get all the support they need, whenever they want it.

Go in Peace, lovely Gill.

[Derek Attree]

Such sad news I heard at the weekend and still can't believe it.
Gill was such a warm and incredibly nice person and will be sorely missed by all in the Armortek family.
My sincere condolences to Mark, Daniel and Sara.

Regards
Derek