‘Huge personality’: Savills director Patrick Joynson passes away

Raconteur, innovative thinker, and true gentleman; tributes have been paid to Patrick Joynson, co-founder and former head of the Manchester office of Savills, who passed away last week from cancer.

Joynson established the Manchester office of Savills in 1996, alongside Mark Ridley and Peter Mallinder.

He was a director in the office agency team, and head of the Manchester office from 2010 to 2015. In his time with the business Savills’ Manchester team grew from three to more than 200 staff.

James Evans took over from Patrick Joynson as head of the Manchester office in 2015, following Joynson’s cancer diagnosis. He stepped away from the day-to-day running of the business but remained a senior director.

Joynson’s gentlemanly style, sociable nature, and passion for the property market shone through the many tributes sent to Place North West this morning.

Chris Cheap, senior director at Avison Young, said: “Joyners was office agency royalty, a fine negotiator and an innovative thinker but his huge personality made him so much more than that – a mentor, an inspiration, and an unrivalled storyteller. I loved being in his company and I am proud to call him my friend.”

John Hughes, managing director of Ask Real Estate, said: “Pat was a true legend, a gentle character who was loved and admired by all who had the pleasure and privilege of working with him. I paid him a brief visit in March and he was as engaged about ‘the market’ then as he always had been, full of ideas and questions.

“Pat was a raconteur who had many hilarious tales and was superb company but he was also a real thinker when it came to the office occupier market, and I had the benefit of his wisdom for many years. I know he was delighted at how First Street was coming along.

“Pat’s passing will be felt by many.”

James Dickinson, director, Canning O’Neill, said: “I had the pleasure of sitting at a desk next to Patrick for three or four years and I must say that as well as learning a great deal from him, there was never a day that passed by without his infectious humour spilling throughout the office!

“He was one of a kind. He was always immaculately turned out, polished brogues, pinstripe suit and sartorial ties that were very much Pat’s calling card. He had the ability to appeal to anyone he was working with or for and his anecdotes on a night out would have whoever he was with in stitches most of the evening.

“One lasting memory was his ‘end of the day’ ritual where he had a quick cigarette with the sash window open to stop the fire alarm sounding. On one occasion he casually flicked the cigarette butt in the metal bin under his desk and said “Evening JD”, before walking out of the office to head home. A few seconds later, the smoke was bellowing through the office and I had to put out the small fire in his bin.

“There were lots more stories of mishaps and Patrick getting himself into difficult situations, but Pat being Pat and the huge personality he was meant he always got away with it! A true gentleman who will never be forgotten.”

Andrew Timms, director at Edwards & Co, said: “It was an honour to have worked alongside Pat and to have known him as a friend and peer for over 20 years, never a dull moment! His personality was infectious and he was the only person I have ever met who had me in tears of laughter every time I saw him. Pat’s knowledge and passion for the Manchester property market was second to none and I could listen to his views and opinions for hours.

“He often referred to office agents who had worked with him as ‘the ex-Pats’ and I am proud to say that I was one of them. My thoughts are with his wife and three children at this sad time. Pat, you will be sorely missed and never forgotten.”

On Twitter, Phil Mayall, development director at Muse, described Joynson as an “absolute gentleman”, while Michael Ingall, chief executive of Allied London, said: “The very sad passing of one of the finest gentleman I had the pleasure to spend time with. Always great in business but our times and my memories of Patrick in Zambia and Rome will remain with me always.”

Mark Ridley, chief executive of Savills said: “A fitting tribute to Patrick’s career was him winning the North West Property Personality of the Year Award in 2016, where the judges also noted his warmth and wit, as well as his unparalleled professionalism.  He received a standing ovation from all 1000 guests at the ceremony.

“Patrick battled his illness with tremendous courage and humour, and he leaves behind not only an enormous hole but also a fantastic legacy as a true Savills legend. We are deeply saddened to have lost a very special friend and colleague but much more importantly our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and their three children.”

James Evans, head of Savills Manchester, added: “It was a great honour to work alongside Pat, he was a true character and had a fantastic presence in the office.  Pat’s sense of humour was legendary and many of the tributes we have received refer to his wit and kind personality.”