From WW2 minesweeper to electrical industry giant: Wolverhampton businessman dies aged 97
The founder of what is thought to be the longest-running electrical firm in Wolverhampton has died at the age of 97.
Douglas Whitehouse, born and bred in Wolverhampton, set up Whitehouse Electrical, now Cosgriff Whitehouse Electrical (CWE), back in 1945.
Mr Whitehouse’s family paid tribute to a beloved grandfather, father, and ‘an amazing ambassador to the electrical contracting industry’.
His son, Pete, now managing director at CWE, said: “He was a gentleman. He was a dedicated and focused businessman.”
Douglas Whitehouse was born on May 28, 1920, in Wolverhampton and attended various local schools – including the former Woden Road Primary – before leaving for the world of work at age 14.
He began his career as a young trainee at local firm Contactor Switchgear before joining the Royal Navy at age 19 to serve in the Second World War.
Mr Whitehouse served for four years in the war, working on minesweepers, before having to return home in 1943 with injuries.
An exploding mine left him with shrapnel in his body which remained until his death more than 70 years later.
Following the war he decided to head back into the electrical business and founded Whitehouse Radio and Electrical Services Ltd in 1945.
Originally it was based at 308 Cannock Road before a compulsory closure notice forced the firm to move to New Cross Business Park in 1968. Under his son’s management, it today has around 25 employees.
In 1947 Doug married Celia Fellows at All Saints Church in Sedgley, and the pair went on to have daughter Pam in 1953 and son Pete in 1955.
They also have three grandchildren; Tom, aged 31, William, 27, and Harry, 21.
Mrs Whitehouse died three years ago at the age of 88, but had been heavily involved in the work at CWE, where she worked as company secretary, up until the age of 83.
Daughter-in-law Jo Whitehouse said Mr Whitehouse was a warm and giving grandfather.
She said: “To the grandchildren he was a great role model.
"He was a fantastic grandfather to his three grandchildren – he put them all through private education, he was a very generous man.
“He was so proud as well that Harry, his youngest grandchild, had just become qualified as an electrical engineer and works at the company.
"He was just quite a character with loads of stories to tell. He will be missed.”
Mr Whitehouse died peacefully in the Sunrise of Tettenhall care home on January 10.
His funeral will be held at St Michael and All Angels church in Tettenhall on January 30, at 10am. All are welcome to attend.
