Tributes paid to Graeme Whittaker

TRIBUTES have been paid to Graeme Whittaker, the recently-retired managing partner of accountancy firm Grant Thornton in Manchester, who has died aged 52.

Mr Whittaker, who lived in south Manchester, passed away two weeks ago, six weeks after leaving the firm to pursue other business interests.  

David Grundy, office managing partner at Grant Thornton in Manchester, and Mr Whittaker’s successor said: “Graeme’s death has come as a great shock.

“He was hugely influential at Grant Thornton and with many of our people, was a superb client service partner and had a huge presence in the local market place.

“He will be deeply missed by everybody who knew him.”

Pat Loftus, senior partner of Deloitte in the North West paid tribute to a “great guy”, whose loss would be keenly felt in Manchester.

“He was someone who everyone liked and respected. His calling card got him in to places he had no right to. I remember him going direct to Volvo’s headquarters in Sweden and coming back with the work.

“He always had a smile on his face and Manchester will be the poorer for his loss  – there aren’t many people like him.”

Mark Blakemore, office managing partner of accountants Baker Tilly in Manchester added:  “The tragic loss of Graeme Whittaker will be felt in the Manchester and North West business community for many years to come.

“Graeme was a larger-than-life character who approached everything he did with confidence and skill. 

“His passion to excel was clear to everyone who met him and his enthusiasm was infectious.  I respected his professional judgement and the honesty and integrity he demonstrated in all that he did. 

“Our community has lost a true character and we are much the poorer because of it.” 

A keen Liverpool supporter and sportsman, with a particular love of fishing, shooting and hill-walking, Mr Whittaker’s was known for his good-humour and energy.

He joined Grant Thornton in 1984 and was the Manchester office managing partner from 1993 until 2007, and then from September 2008 until this July. 

His funeral was held last week.