Former Bowmer + Kirkland chair passes away
The former chairman of Derbyshire construction firm Bowmer + Kirland (B+K), John Kirkland OBE, has died at the age of 83.
Kirkland John joined B+K in 1967 and eventually assumed the role of chairman in 1976. He remained as chairman for 43 years and in 2019 was succeeded by his son Jack. For the past three years he, along with his brother Robert, has been a life president of the company guiding, supporting and offering his wealth of knowledge to the main board.
A statement from B+K said: “His contribution to B+K has been immense. He was very, very proud of the company and all of the people who work in it.”
In 1999, Kirkland received an OBE for services to Derbyshire, in particular for his former role as chairman of Derbyshire Ambulance Service.
He served as chair of both the Derbyshire Learning and Skills Council (LSC) from 2000-2008 and the LSC East Midlands Regional Council from 2004-2008.
He was the longest serving cirector of Derby County, president from 2006 until 2008 and invited to rejoin the board in 2017.
