Douglas Crack, who died on March 16, was an experienced suede manufacturer and lynchpin of Leeds-based Charles F Steads.

Dedicated to the business from joining in 1971, Mr Crack was a well-known figure in the industry and was described by his family and friends as a committed father and husband, as well as an exceptional leather technologist with a strong practical bent.

 Graduating from the Procter Department of the University of Leeds, he was chairman of the SLTC Northern group in 1985/86, served on many of the society's committees and became a life member of the SLTC in 2022, following 45 years of unbroken membership.

 Image: Charles F Steads.

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