The founder of a well-known Cornish dairy company is set to retire at the end of this month.

Jack Lillie of Lillie Brothers, a Falmouth-based dairy company, will be hanging up his milk bottles for the final time come the end of the month after 47 years of service.

Jack, who along with his brother Fred established Lillie Brothers in 1974, has become a well-known figure in the local area and grew the company from a single doorstep milk delivery service to the large and still-expanding wholesaler they are today. 

As well as being a familliar face around the local community, Jack is also a lifesaver, having once rescued an early morning swimmer on one of his rounds back in 1977.

The man, known as L.D Wright, had been an out for a swim one morning when he came into difficulties in the water and was spotted by Jack who had been out doing his deliveries in the area.

Jack stopped his van and immediately ran into the water to save the struggling swimmer.

L.D Wright thanked Jack by showing his appreciation in the form of a watch that he had engraved with a message of gratitude and gave to Jack as thanks for his assistance that morning.

South West Farmer: L.D Wright thanked Jack by showing his appreciation in the form of a watch that he had engraved with a message of gratitude (Credit:ClareLillie)L.D Wright thanked Jack by showing his appreciation in the form of a watch that he had engraved with a message of gratitude (Credit:ClareLillie)

The company's product range has also grown over the years under Jack's guidance, from traditional dairy products such as Cornish milk and eggs through to mineral waters, yoghurts, teas and coffees and other grocery items.

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In 1986, Jack's wife Heather joined the team, helping the brothers with the paperwork, orders and distribution of their growing company and has become known as the friendly voice on the other end of the office telephone.

Two more Lillies were added to the company's roster in 1992 and 1998 as Fred's son, David, and Jack's son, Graham, joined their dads with a view to expand the wholesale side of the business.

Graham is now the commercial director and is involved in everything from business development to marketing and transport management.

In 2016, yet another Lillie joined the family business with Jack's daughter Clare climbing aboard and taking on the company’s customer service advisor and social media manager roles.

Then, in 2020, Jack's successful business was bought by Trewithen Dairy who now look after the wholesale and distribution side of things, while still allowing the family built and run business to operate independently.

Clare said: "Dad's pretty well known to a lot of the local businesses and always tried to help out and guide where he could with deliveries so I think he'll be very missed."

We wish Jack the best of luck with his retirement.