It is with great sadness that Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket has announced the passing of Sales Manager Alan ‘Deano’ Dean.

The 54-year-old, who leaves a wife, Kay, daughter Natalie and grandson Henry, had worked for the leading supplier of LuK clutches, INA tensioners and FAG wheel bearings for the past 20 years.

Managing Director Nigel Morgan has paid tribute to Alan’s tireless work in helping establish the brands in the automotive aftermarket, within which he was an extremely popular character with both work colleagues and customers alike.

He said: “Many of you might have been already aware that Alan had been very unwell for a number of months. It is with deep regret that I have to inform you that Alan passed away peacefully in hospital close to his home in Leicester.” He added, “We have lost a dear friend and colleague after 20 years at Schaeffler. Alan was one of the founder members of our aftermarket business to whom we owe a great debt of gratitude. He was totally passionate about everything he undertook and this earned him the respect of so many of his customers, colleagues and his peers.”