The late Graham Harrison

Graham Harrison, a former Hyster dealer who spent most of his working life associated with the brand in Adelaide, South Australia, has died at the age of 69.

Harrison started his career in the materials handling industry with a Cat and Hyster dealership in South Australia in the 1950s. In the late 1960s, the dealership changed to Hylift and was owned by Ian Donaldson.

Barry Kafer, a Hyster sales manager, told Donaldson in 1970 that Harrison would never make it as a salesman.

But Harrison went on to establish his own Hyster dealership, Graham Harrison Forklift Trucks, in January 1980. He sold it to Nacco Material Handling Group in 1998 and continued working as a consultant until his death.

Max Sharam, Harrison's son in law and manager of SA Independent Forklifts & Earthmoving Services Pty Ltd, said: "With the loss of Graham Harrison, there is now a large hole in the industry. He was a man with extensive knowledge, know-how and integrity. He was greatly respected by those who not only knew him but knew of him."

Harrison was born in Kadina, South Australia, on October 1, 1935. He leaves his wife, Rhonda, and three children, Lee-Ann, Jackie and Scott.