Dave P. Tyndall Jr. facts for kids

David Patrick Tyndall Jr. (born March 3, 1917 – died June 30, 2006) was an Irish businessman who helped change how grocery stores worked. He started in his family's business and played a big part in making wholesale and retail grocery stores more modern. He helped small family shops get ready for the arrival of large supermarkets. He was also a leader in many business groups, loved to travel, and was an amateur pilot. He even made it into the Guinness Book of Records for being the oldest person to fly a helicopter by himself!

Family Life

David was the son of Sarah (née Gaynor) and David P. Tyndall (Sr.). He married Molly Kettle in September 1949. They had four children: Mona, Mary, Pauline, and Vivian.

Building a Grocery Empire

David Tyndall Jr. was known for seeing good business chances and planning ahead. He was very good at buying and combining different companies, which earned him the nickname "Take-over Tyndall" in Ireland. He was also a kind boss. When other wholesale companies closed down, he often hired their employees. He even started a bonus plan and a pension plan (money for employees after they retire) that employees didn't have to pay into.

He was behind the first idea for an Irish wholesale group to set up a special bonded warehouse. This helped them grow their business in wine and spirits. After his father retired, David and his older brother William worked together. They expanded their family's business to include retail stores. They created joint ventures for self-service stores all over Ireland. Their reputation for being honest and having good relationships with banks helped them a lot. For example, they got support when their businesses were damaged by floods or fire.

In 1971, a famous Irish businessman named Tony O'Reilly tried to buy 25% of their company, but the Tyndall brothers successfully stopped him. Eventually, they sold their company, AWL, to Joshua Watson Ltd. David joined the board of that company. Later, Irish Distillers took over Joshua Watson, and then Pernod-Ricard took over Irish Distillers in 1988. William retired in 1980, and David retired in 1984, after working in the grocery business for 51 years!

A Leader in Business

David Tyndall Jr. was not just a businessman; he was also a leader in the grocery industry. He helped start important groups like RG Data (Retail Grocery, Dairy and Allied Trades). He was also the President of the Wholesale Grocers Association of Ireland and the Irish Grocers Benevolent Association/Fund. These groups helped grocery businesses and their employees.

Aviation Adventures

David had a great passion for flying. He was the President of the Leinster Aero Club. This club was founded in 1956 and has moved to different airfields over the years, including Dublin Airport. It is now located at Trevet Airfield in County Meath. David was also the Treasurer for the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association and the Irish Aviation Council Ltd. His love for aviation led him to achieve a unique record: he became the oldest man ever to fly a helicopter solo, earning him a spot in the Guinness Book of Records.

Community Involvement

Besides his busy business and aviation life, David was also involved in his community. He held positions like Vice-Chairman of St. Joseph's Hospital and Chairman of St. Gabriel's Parish Committee. He was also involved with Swords Family Care Ltd. and was a committee member for the National College of Industrial Relations and the Thorndale Lawn Tennis Club.