The Keswick area lost a businessman with a great passion for and knowledge of the hospitality industry with the death of Howard Speck, aged 67.
Born in Coventry, Howard followed a career in the food retail sector before moving to Cumbria, having advanced to the position of food retail director for former supermarket operator Somerfield.
He came to the county in 2004 and bought the Highfield Hotel, in Keswick, to pursue his dream of owning his own business while also enjoying a better quality of life with his young family.
In 2007 Howard leased the George Hotel, also in Keswick, and went on to make this a great success until brewer Marstons decided to cut the middle man out and run it itself in 2022.
He bought the Royal Yew, at Dean, near Workington, in 2015, and also had the Marstons lease on the Belle Vue, at Papcastle, between 2018 and 2023. Last year he bought Shills, a deli and restaurant in Cockermouth.
A well liked character in the industry, Howard was on the board of Keswick Tourism Association for a couple of years. He was very passionate about the hospitality business and, while being very knowledgeable about it, was always keen to learn more.
He was hard working, driven, highly successful and also a popular boss — although he did not suffer fools gladly! He always remarked that “it is nice to be nice” and often enjoyed a bit of crack with his staff.
Howard’s plan was to build a successful business to pass on to his children, if they so wished, and in this he succeeded.
Howard’s children, Jonathan and Emily, have both been directors in the business since finishing university.
It will continue to be a family concern with his wife Caroline and their children at the helm.
When Howard was not working, he enjoyed game shooting, cooking for family and friends and spending time with his dogs.
A service of love and celebration for Howard will be held at the Eden Valley Crematorium, Temple Sowerby, on Wednesday, July 10, at 2pm, followed by refreshments at the Roundthorn Hotel, Penrith. Jill Glencross Independent Funeral Directors, Carlisle, have charge of the arrangements.
