Classic restoration to honour late Herts businessman John Austin
1959 Massey Fergusson ‘workhorse’ reborn as a loving tribute to founder of Harwood Park Crematorium
A 1959 Massey Ferguson 35 tractor has been restored to its former glory to honour well-respected Hertordshire businessman John Austin, who passed away in April 2012.
John, who ran the 300 year-old firm Austin’s Family Funeral Directors as well as designing and developing Harwood Park Crematorium, purchased the tractor in 1996.
The tractor was used to develop the memorial gardens at Harwood Park, now a sanctuary where bereaved families can remember their loved ones in beautiful surroundings.
Several months before John’s death, his daughter Claire along with other company directors had arranged for the tractor to be refurbished as a surprise for him, but as things turned out, he was never to see it.
Speaking about the tractor’s special significance to her father, Claire said:
“The Massey Ferguson was one of Dad’s toys. Its registration number is TFO 827, which he always claimed stood for ‘The Funeral Office’.
Last week, after nearly two years of painstaking work, the completed tractor was presented to Jean, John’s widow. Jean, who had no idea that the work was being carried out, said that she was both ‘stunned’ and ‘delighted’.
The project, which was carried out by agricultural restoration engineer Kevin Read in his workshop at Watton at Stone, involved complete dismantling, refurbishing, reassembling and repainting of the old classic in its original livery.
The tractor now also bears a brass plate in memory of John.
Pictured: Jean Austin with the restored 1959 Massey Ferguson Tractor
Notes for editors:
* Hertfordshire firm Austin's Funerals has been operating continuously for over 300 years
* Set on 25 acres of beautifully maintained parkland, Harwood Park crematorium is is John Austin’s vision translated into reality, now known and admired as a beautiful, tranquil environment for grieving families to relax and reflect.
* Claire Austin has been Managing Director of Austin's Funerals since Jaunary 2001
doug@bestwords.co.uk
07973751039
Austin's Funerals
www.austins.co.uk
01438 316623
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