| Media item | |
| | Vale: Keith Harrison | GoAuto News,
Sandringham
by Neil Dowling
| 17 May 2023 | | General News - Page 30 - 371 words - ID 1851003295 - Photo: Yes - Type: News Item - Size: 557.00cm2 | |
Popular and highly respected Toyota car dealer Keith Harrison dies suddenly
THE community of the Victorian City of Melton together with Australia's automotive community this week farewelled longstanding and highly respected car dealer and beloved citizen, Keith Harrison, who died unexpectedly on his 80th birthday.
Mr Harrison, a first generation car dealer, is father of dealer principals Grant and Nic who continue the family businesses of Melton Toyota and the Harrison Motoring Group. The Toyota dealership was the brand's President's Award winner in 2018.
His funeral in Melton this week attracted more than 1000 people including members of the automotive industry such as Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing Sean Hanley and VACC industry policy lead Michael McKenna.
He and his wife Joan were highly regarded in the community and were both generous and longtime supporters of community and sporting organisations, including work with social and charity groups.
Grant Harrison told GoAutoNews Premium that although his father officially retired in 2002, he was a regular visitor to the dealerships.
He always took an interest in the daily operations and was forward in giving advice.
Melton Toyota brand manager Sue Birch, who has been with the company for 14 years, said the Harrison family made her unexpectedly welcome on her first day.
"I found out that this was normal and they always give a warm welcome to new team members and always have time for a chat," she said.
"It was an unexpected bonus of working for the Harrison family - to be treated as one of their family. It makes it a special place to work and that rubs off onto our customers." At the opening of the new Melton Toyota showroom earlier this year in celebration of the dealership's 50th anniversary, Keith Harrison recalled selling his first Toyota - a yellow Crown with a black roof - to Melton's post-mistress, Ida Porter.
Grant Harrison said that the company history started with Keith and his wife Joan's service station business in 1973.
He said his parents "set a foundation for our business rich in community spirit" with family values "central to our beliefs, our actions, and our ambitions for the future".
Caption Text:
Keith and Joan Harrison with Sean Hanley
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