Tributes to 'warm and bubbly' Margaret Palmer, founder of David Palmer Coaches

Tributes have been paid to a “warm and bubbly” businesswoman, whose dedication to the travel industry earned royal recognition.
A local businesswoman, Margaret was best known for her role in launching David Palmer Coaches with her husband in the 1970s.A local businesswoman, Margaret was best known for her role in launching David Palmer Coaches with her husband in the 1970s.
A local businesswoman, Margaret was best known for her role in launching David Palmer Coaches with her husband in the 1970s.

Margaret Palmer passed away last month, after an 11 year battle with cancer.

A local businesswoman, Margaret was best known for her role in launching David Palmer Coaches with her husband in the 1970s.

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Initially run from the couple’s home in Crofton and consisting of just one minibus, the company grew quickly and later moved to purpose-built premises in Normanton.

After retiring, Margaret became involved with a number of local charities.After retiring, Margaret became involved with a number of local charities.
After retiring, Margaret became involved with a number of local charities.

Now known as Palmer Holidays, the business has won countless awards for customer service, including Coach Operator of the Year in 2009 and 2011 and commendations at the Wakefield Business Awards.

Daughter-in-law Lisa, who now runs Palmer Holidays, said: “Margaret was a very warm and friendly person, who’s bubbly personality shone through in everything she did.

“A very loving person who was extremely proud of her family, Margaret leaves a very large void in our lives, we will all miss her dearly.

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“As Margaret went through life she gained many friends and will be sadly missed by all that knew her.”

After retiring in 2009, Margaret stepped down from the business, but continued to be an active campaigner for charities including Wakefield Hospice and Yorkshire Cancer Research, where she raised thousands of pounds to support those in need.

She was also a founding member of the Coach Tourism Council, and earned an invitation to Buckingham Palace in recognition of her hard work for the coach industry.

Margaret is survived by sons Andrew and Jonathan, grandchildren Ashley and Leah, sister Judith, nephew Matthew and niece Elizabeth.