Dominic Ogden has passed away aged 56

From left to right above is Dominic Ogden, Dick Green, Simon Ogden

Emma Thompson, QHSE Manager at DSR Demolition has informed us of the sad news that Dominic Ogden has passed away.

Here's is Emma's email in full regarding Dominic's death:

Dear friends and colleagues,

We are devastated to inform you all of the passing of Dominic Richard Ogden on the morning of 20th July, at the age of 56.

Dominic lived and breathed demolition nearly all his life. After leaving school, he initially joined the Naval Ordnance in Sheffield as a time served fully indentured apprentice engineer. Then, following in his father’s footsteps, Dominic entered the world of demolition. He joined the Institute of Explosives Engineers in 1984 at the tender age of 25, having already been in the business several years. He later joined the Institute of Demolition Engineers – managing, incredibly, to write his thesis from a hospital bed during a bout of illness.

Dominic was part of his father’s firm Fred Ogden & Sons and other companies along with his brother Simon, before the brothers established DSR Demolition in 2001. Over the years, Dominic managed just about every type of demolition project you could think of and he had all the anecdotes to go with it, delivered with his trademark sense of humour.

Dominic battled health problems for a long time but you rarely heard him complain. He would never give up his responsibilities or his independence. Dominic would try his very best to help those he knew if they were in need; he is owed much by many. He was utterly courageous, generous and fearless; giving every endeavour 100%.

When he could drag his mind away from work (no mean feat), Dominic was an enthusiastic motorist, enjoying driving holidays in Europe with his wife Christine and allowing his collection of cars to spread all over his driveway. He relaxed by going fishing and spent many an hour catching his evening meal. He loved taking his grandson to play football on Saturdays, and having his granddaughters running around his house. At the end of a tough day he would unwind with a whisky or go to his favourite Italian, where all the staff knew him well.

He leaves behind his wife Christine; his children, Rachael, Andrew and James, his grandchildren, Matthew, Izabelle, Ivy and Evelyn, his brother Simon, mother Dawn, sisters Deborah and Elizabeth, and a wider network of family, friends, colleagues and peers who respected and admired him hugely.

Fifty six is no age for a life to end, but Dominic crammed more into his life than most octogenarians have managed. Dominic was a life force and once met was never forgotten. A gregarious and outgoing person, he made a lasting impression on all who knew him and he will be profoundly, deeply missed.

On behalf of Dominic’s family and DSR Demolition, we want to express our gratitude for the messages of condolence we have received.

Details of Dominic’s memorial service will follow shortly.

Kind regards,
Emma Thompson QHSE Manager