Shaun Prendergast

CFTS, the body behind the UK forklift industry's Thorough Examinations standard, has paid tribute to its valued technical manager, Shaun Prendergast.

Prendergast passed away on the weekend after a period of illness, surrounded by close friends and family.

He had a wide and varied career, which began while serving with HM forces in the UK and abroad. As part of the Specialist Team of Royal Engineers, he was involved in undertaking vital engineering work: from repairing airfields in the Falkland Islands to working on bridges in Sierra Leone.

Upon completing his military service in 1992, as a Corporal in the Plant Troop within the Corps of Royal Engineers, Prendergast began working in the materials handling industry, where he worked as a service manager for a mainstream dealer for nearly two decades.

He joined CFTS in July 2012, and with his fellow technical manager, Matthew Kennedy, successfully increased awareness, understanding and coverage of Thorough Examinations throughout the UK and Ireland.

Of his untimely passing, CFTS chairman Geoff Martin says: "Shaun was a very popular representative, advisor and trainer and I know that very many CFTS members and colleagues will miss him greatly. He conducted his affairs with the utmost integrity and humour.
"Our thoughts are with his wife and family. To them we extend our greatest sympathy at this most difficult time."