Thurlow Nunn Standen announced death of its former chairman John Thurlow  

Mr Thurlow died on Saturday 8th June, only 12 days after the death of his wife Peggy. 

The family said: “Whilst this is probably the most difficult challenge we have faced in our lives, we have so much to be thankful for.”  

Proud of the family business  

Mr and Mrs Thurlow met at Young Farmers in the early 1960s. The then Miss Peggy Wrinch was the club secretary, and Mr Thurlow was the club chairman.  

The couple married in 1962. The family described them as being like “chalk and cheese”.  

Mr Thurlow’s children, James, Nic and Sally, said: “Dad was all shiny shoes and punctuality, whereas mum would have liked to have lived in Spanish time, but it worked.   

“Mum filled in the gaps; she was easy to talk to, a person who was genuinely interested in you and your family.   

“Very much the matriarch, family was everything to her. Dad was so proud of the family business, and this was everything to him. He also adored the Suffolk Show, and this was the highlight of his year.”  

Mr Thurlow had returned to the family business, George Thurlow & Sons Ltd, following his national service. He took over the business following his father’s death in 1968.  

READ MORE: “A vision for the future, strong roots in the past”

Sixth Thurlow generation engaged in the business  

Mr Thurlow was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2018. His family said: “Dad has faded away gradually over the past couple of years but, interestingly, we recently showed him the Cheffins catalogue, and he instantly recognised the Massey Grey Gold for sale.  

“He was so proud of our family business and all this represented. As his brain shut down, his world reverted back to the office and the people he had worked with in his early days.  

“He was immensely proud of all of his family and delighted when Will joined the business.” 

In 2020, John Thurlow retired after 65 years of service but retained an active interest.   

His son, James Thurlow, took over as chairman of Thurlow Nunn (Holdings) Ltd. while remaining the managing director of Thurlow Nunn Standen Ltd.  

Will Tew, John Thurlow’s grandson, was appointed managing director of Thurlow Nunn Ltd, the motor dealership division of the group in March 2021 and now represents the sixth Thurlow generation engaged in Thurlow Nunn Group operations.  

150 years in business  

In 2025 George Thurlow & Sons Ltd will celebrate 150 years in business.   

The company, which now operates from 19 locations across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, was set up in 1875 by George Thurlow, John Thurlow’s great-grandfather, in Stowmarket as an oil merchant and engineer.  

Later the business moved into the supply of steam engines and threshing tackle, becoming one of the country’s leading distributors.  

The Thurlow family said it is very proud of being in business for 150 years.  They added: “We will take the opportunity throughout the year to celebrate this success and the people who have made this possible.   

“We are currently formulating a schedule of events conducive to this incredible achievement, and we will take the opportunity to raise money to support Dementia UK, BEN and, possibly a few other relevant charities.  

“We hope you will all join us in celebrating this incredible milestone but, above all, celebrate being a family. We strive to retain the family feel at the Thurlow Nunn Group.   

“We’ve learned over the years that what defines family is not solely blood relations but also the people who share your family values, who support you; the people you can rely on and trust. We have so much to be grateful for.”  

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