Paul James Tear April 1937- December 2019
It is with great sadness that we have to announce that Paul Tear passed away at home on Monday 23rd December, after a long and brave struggle against cancer.
Paul was born in Liverpool before the second world war, and during the blitz the family moved to Cheshire and then to Sutton Coldfield before returning to Liverpool where Paul attended Merchant Taylors` school as a boarder.
The family moved to Sheffield and on leaving school Paul worked as a trainee manager for the Kenning Group, and then in 1958 joined The Sheffield Smelting Company, (where his father was a Director), on a three year apprenticeship.
He then married Pauline Schonhut from Rotherham and they moved to Hertfordshire where Paul worked as a Technical Sales Representative. However he returned to Sheffield 6 years later in 1967 and founded Solpro Manufacturing, and then acquired The Sheffield Smelting Company in 1984, now known as Thessco Ltd. This was all done with Pauline being his rock and helping to raise two lovely children in Jackie & James, both of whom are in the business today and have 5 children between them.
The Group has developed into one of the largest precious metal groups in the world. During this time Paul became Master Cutler in 1997-1998 and was the first “manufacturing cutler” to hold the master Cutler`s office in over 40 years
Paul had a number of Hobbies he liked to indulge in including Horse racing and Shooting at which he told us he was a good shot. This was subsequently corroborated by his drivers! He was once shooting with Eric Clapton and had to be told who he was, Paul not being into Rock music! Paul also had a particular love of motorsport and Formula 1, in which he had many friends including Sir Jackie Stewart and others.
Paul`s main passion though was his love of rugby, and in particular Sheffield Rugby club and its home Abbeydale Sports club where he became a Director. Paul played for the club and although this was not at a high level his exploits and committee work for the club off the field were immense including employing a number players and members in his various businesses. A list of the positions held tells but a small part of his involvement as an officer of the club and supporter :-
Chairman 6 Seasons - 02/03 -07/08
Deputy Chairman 12 seasons –08/09- 19/20
President 4 Seasons – 87/88- 88/89, 90/91- 91/92
Honorary Secretary 9 Seasons 78/79-86/87
Director Sheffield RUFC Ltd
Chairman Financial & Social Committee
Executive Development Officer
Additional Committee Officer
Paul was never happier than when supporting the team, home and away, as long as it involved spending time with the team and his many rugby friends, especially over a bottle or two in his beloved Range Rover and Pauline`s legendary “Packing Up”. They say a picture paints a thousand words. Well this one was taken at the Post Office pub at junction 38 on the M1 after we played and beat Scarborough in 2010. The next day we suggested to Scarborough RUFC that we would keep the bench,and send the money to have another one made. Luckily they agreed, and this bench is now still outside the clubhouse.
He will be sorely missed by all who knew him at Sheffield RUFC, family and friends