Regale CEO Patrick Bray passes away

It is with much sadness that we report that Patrick Leon Bray, chief executive officer and joint founder of Regale, passed away last week aged 85.

Bray tried his hand at several careers before finding his passion for foodservice. These included drumming, managing entertainment acts, compering and managing the electrical section of a department store in Portsmouth. Before all of this, he was part of the armed forces for nine years, where he served as a communications expert in the Radfan conflict in the early 1960s, before going on to work for NATO.

'Much-loved and respected'

“Patrick was a much-loved and respected member of the foodservice industry for over 40 years,” said Iain Phillips, managing director of Regale. “He created Regale in 1983 along with business partner Barry Clark, which, due to their sheer dedication and pride for the business, has led Regale to become the world's largest re-seller of Panasonic commercial catering equipment. This was an achievement Patrick was immensely proud of.

“Patrick was a great leader, mentor and a true inspiration. Particularly during his 40 years at Regale, he loved attending industry trade shows and was never happier than when meeting his customers and suppliers. His customer-focused approach and his warm, welcoming nature has led Regale to its success.

“The Regale family has lost a true icon, for whom to many he was more than a founder or colleague – he was a father figure. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten by so many people in the industry. The thoughts and prayers of everybody at Regale are with his family – his wife, four daughters, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren – at this truly sad time.”

Anyone wishing to attend the funeral and for further information, please e-mail Phillips at [email protected].

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