In Memory of Donald Hale
"A True Gentleman"
Dons Coaches was established by Mr Don Hale 72 years ago on the August Bank Holiday 1949.
Don was born 4th of April 1921 and his life always revolved around transport.
After Serving in World War two having been called up by the Essex Yeomanry as a Driver his experiences including fighting in Normandy and all the way across Germany.
After Hostilities ceased Don returned to Essex to Takeley where he operated a car hire and petrol Station Business Running two American Packard cars, using his demob Money he acquired a second hand Duple Bedford OB. After this acquisition Dons Coaches grew from strength to strength with Don at the Wheel, this undertook a school contract as well as all manner of Private Hires most of which Related to Local Football, Darts, and Domino Teams.
He moved Premises to his house in North Street Gt Dunmow where he kept his Coaches.
In 1973 Don Purchased the old timber yard at Parsonage Downs in Gt Dunmow to keep the Coaches, Don from the outset always believed that vehicles should ideally be kept garaged 'nobody ever left Coaches out in the Yard in those days' Dons still operate here today.
Don Sadly passed away on the 25th of December 2009, People that knew Don quickly found out that he was described as "a true Gentlemen" he was Generous, Kind, amongst other things and without Dons Hard work, dedication, enthusiasm and passion for life and Coach Travel Dons Coaches Dunmow Ltd would not be here today.
After Dons Passing the Mantle passed to current owner Steven Harvey whose Mum Rita had been a director of Dons Coaches Steven who has worked here since leaving school has the same values and work ethic as Don with the Company again growing from Strength to Strength, Iam sure Don is Looking Down Proud of his Legacy.
His Legacy will always remain with the People he met the People he Employed and also within the Company and industry.