St John Hartnell, who established the commercial agency business of Bristol-based Hartnell Taylor Cook, has died.
St John, who was diagnosed in with bowel cancer in October, was 66.
He followed in his father’s footsteps when he joined the family estate agency business in 1959, becoming a partner in 1963.
St John was responsible for establishing the commercial agency business in 1966 when based in Hartnell Taylor Cook’s Kingswood office.
He was appointed senior partner in 1979 and held the position until his retirement in 2003.
During these years he built the business into one of the country’s leading commercial practices.
He was instrumental in a number of major property transactions throughout the South West including the acquisition of the Port of Bristol from Bristol City Council for First Corporate Shipping in 1991.
However, one of St John’s most notable deals was in the City of London where he arranged funding for Lord Palumbo’s Number One Poultry development.
Andrew Batchelor, Managing Partner of Hartnell Taylor Cook LLP, said:
“He was very proud of Hartnell Taylor Cook and treated all of the employees as part of his extended family.
“St John’s commitment, energy and vision were fundamental in the development of the business, a trait which was replicated in his unstinting charity work in Bristol and the South West.
“He was a wonderful character, had so many friends and associates, he gave so much to the Bristol community as well as the business.
“He left a great legacy when he retired in 2003, and we will all miss his wonderful sense of humour and his zest for life.
“The thoughts of everyone at Hartnell Taylor Cook are with his family.”
There is to be a private funeral service for family only and a ‘Thanksgiving Service for a well lived life’ is to be held at St Mary Redcliff Church, Bristol, at 3 pm on January 12.
References: EGi News 21/12/05
