The Australian forklift community is mourning the loss of industry stalwart Norm “Skippy” Crompton, who passed away on November 12, aged 83.

Crompton started his career in 1962 as an apprentice motor mechanic with Botany Port and Cranes, part of the Lawrence Group and the Hyster dealer at the time.

A few years later Norm moved to Conquip, the agent for Lansing Bagnall where he was engaged as a service engineer before swapping the overalls for a collar and tie around 1970 to head up the Lansing rental fleet.

In time, Crompton moved into a sales support and training role with Lansing, training techs and salespeople on the product.

In 1990 Compton became a consultant advising waterfront operators and companies on their equipment needs before joining Cascade Australia in 1992, where he spent 18 years before his retirement in 2010.

“Wherever Norm was, he left those that he had met with a smile on their face knowing that they had just met a true professional and gentleman,”’ colleague and friend Robert Whitmore told Forkliftaction News.

Vale Norm "Skippy" Crompton 23 January, 1941- 12 November, 2024.