A tribute: Glenn Mishon

Sadly, on the evening of Wednesday 11 July, the much loved estate agent and local personality Glenn Mishon passed away. Throughout his fight with cancer he maintained a brave public face, but it was one battle he could not win and he will be greatly missed. Here we pay tribute to the man.

Glenn Mishon was for so many years seen as the face of the property industry in Brighton, Hove and beyond. His presence at an event, whether it was property related or not, added a certain quality, a dignity certainly, but also a sense of fun. To walk into a room and be greeted by that familiar grin and the words, “hello mate” was enough to put anyone at ease. Despite the fact that most of us met him through business the majority of us would certainly have counted him as a true friend.

At work he was a consummate professional, respected by his business colleagues, his clients and his rivals, and in 25 years, with his business partner Alex Mackay, he built one of the city’s most familiar brands, not just in terms of property but across all sectors.

When the news spread that Glenn was unwell there was a sense of disbelief. How could this larger than life character be so ill? Throughout he bore it with great dignity and stoicism, continuing to lead as normal a life as possible and in public never losing that handsome smile.

It is that image of Glenn Mishon, the professional with the beaming grin, that will live on in our memories but also the positive impact that he had, over 30 years, on the world of estate agency.
Latest Homes

“Glenn had been my friend for 36 years and my business partner for 25. We first met in our late teens in Haywards Heath when Glenn worked for his dad, Barry. We immediately became friends even though we were in competition with each other and very soon after we started working together at John Duffy & Co.

“We were known by our competitors as ‘Bodie and Doyle’ as John had bought us matching Ford Capris! Glenn’s work ethic was second to none and his professional approach was one that others could only aspire to get close to. We became business partners in 1987 and he brought an enthusiasm and style of agency to the city that hitherto had not been seen.

“There are so many great stories about Glenn in agency and many of his friends will know but a few. He was always courteous, always polite, never swore: in summary, a true gentleman. Glenn was loved by so many of us for all sorts of reasons – his charity work, his honesty in business, the obvious love of his family, and life itself.

“It can never be quite the same again but, if I have one role left, it is to maintain and continue to build the Mishon Mackay brand in Glenn’s memory, and drive things forward with the support of his staff, who loved him so much. I, like so many others, will miss him more than I can say.”
Alex Mackay, Mishon Mackay

“Glenn was loved by so many of us for all sorts of reasons – his charity work, his honesty in business, the obvious love of his family, and life itself”
Alex Mackay

Friends, colleagues and industry peers pay their personal tributes

“Glenn Mishon has played an important part in the recent history of Theatre Royal Brighton. As sponsors Mishon Mackay offered their support to the venue for many years. Glenn played a key role on the fundraising committee for our 200th birthday and he was a well known face to us all. I speak on behalf of the management and staff, past and present, when I say he was a true gent, a pleasure to do business with and will be sorely missed by the all at the venue and the city.”
John Baldock General Manager, Theatre Royal Brighton

“I have 100 per cent respect for Glenn Mishon. I have worked with and for Glenn on many occasions over the last 25 years. He was an old school estate agent and was always on the go. He built up the Mishon Mackay empire and was one of the biggest and respected property players in Sussex. He was a true property genius and knew his business inside and out. Glenn worked tirelessly for charities, good causes and the local area and was always out at ‘celebrity’ do’s. I will miss him and his cheeky smile.”
Michael Keilthy, Callaways

“I often turn the clock back to the ’70s when Glenn and I would meet up at the King’s Club, Bird’s Nest and all the other local haunts of the day. We would so often chat about our respective agency ambitions, I seem to remember he worked at SHL at that time and I was early into my career with Fox & Sons. Glenn would always say; “One day Ian, I’ll have my own business.” It was always great to witness his enthusiasm back in those days and a privilege to have watched his ambitions unfold down the years. You will always be sadly missed old friend.”
Ian Hyder

“Glenn was not only a professional colleague but also a personal friend. Despite the property industry being highly competitive, Glenn and I didn’t quite see it that way with our relationship. We met on a monthly basis and frequently for lunch, often at China Garden. We discussed all aspects of the business and looked into ways of helping each other – we assisted each other on valuations and worked together on developments. The get-togethers were always fun and we ‘spoofed’ for the bill.

Never has there been a more worthy winner of the Latest Lifetime Achievement Award – we all kept it a secret until the presentation at my Presidents Dinner in 2010. He did a great impromptu speech that evening.

Glenn is a loss to the industry and will be missed by many. His family and friends should be able to gain some comfort from the fact that he was, above all, a great person.”
Phil Graves

“A sad day for the industry. Glenn was a charming character and an astute businessman who I admired even though he was a business rival. He was a gentleman – a lovely man with a great personality and a friend. He will not only be missed by his family and friends but by the wider community.”
David Goldin, past president of BHEAA

“Glenn was an iconic member of our profession – and the property world in Brighton and Hove has most certainly lost one of its true characters. Having crossed swords but never crossed words with Glenn over some 30 years in Estate Agency, he will be fondly remembered for his big smile and immense personality, not to mention that professionally and in association with Alex, they set new standards in the industry in our area, for others (including me) to follow. They say there is no sentiment in business, those who knew Glenn would argue very differently.”
Brian Huggins, Elliotts Estate Agents

“It has been an absolute honour and privilege to have worked closely with Glenn at Mishon Mackay. He was a true inspiration, and such a kind man, he had time for everyone. He has left a lasting impression on so many. He will never be forgotten. Tenderly we treasure the past, with memories that will always last.”
Tina, manager at Mishon Mackay Kemp Town branch

“I have just seen the very sad news of the passing of Glenn Mishon recently in Latest Homes. Working at the Grand Brighton for over twenty years, Glenn was a very familiar face, my colleagues and I on the concierge team knew Glenn and his family very well. Glenn was a very warm person and will be very sadly missed by all that knew him.”
Shaun Duncan, The Grand Brighton

“Over the years Brighton and Hove has always had it’s share of great characters in the property world. I know every other agent in the city would recognise Glenn as being one of those great characters. A member of the Southover Golfing Society from the start in 1994, he was great company on the golf course with a swing as flamboyant and individual as the man himself. He will be sadly missed.”
Barrie Alderton (Bazzer as Glenn always called me), Barrie Alderton Estate Agents.

“A charming man who was a pleasure to work for and with, and will be greatly missed by so many.”
Juliette Smith, Young lee

“I had the privilege of working with Glenn for most of my career, including over 17 years at the Mishon Mackay office in Hove. I will always remember the fun and enjoyment he injected into an often challenging job. I recall visiting a large house in Hove, where I had to chat to the owner and maintain a professional air, while Glenn was following me up the stairs pinching my backside. I shall never know how we obtained instructions to sell that house! I can honestly say that those days working with Glenn were some of the best ones of my life and the memories of this lovely man will stay with me forever.”
Mark Welton, Mishon Welton

“I worked for Glenn for a few years before we set up Brand Vaughan. I worked closely with him when I was at their Hove office. Glenn was a big reason why I wanted to join them at the time and he was very inspirational to me. He was a fantastic boss and a lovely man. I would like to send my condolences to his family.”
David Vaughan, Brand Vaughan

“Property Moves would like to pass on their condolences to family and friends for the sad loss of Glenn Mishon.”
Jez Williams and all the team at Property Moves

“Our thoughts are with the Mishon family at this sad time.”
John Hoole, John Hoole Estate Agents

“Glenn was always a true gentleman, he always had a kind word to say and a smile on his face. Our deepest condolences.
Lisa and Steve Simmonds and all at The Property Shop.

I had the pleasure of knowing Glenn for many years. He was a true gentleman – a real people person who always took the time and trouble to talk to everyone in a room. He will be sadly missed by all his peers.”
Jane Wilkinson, regional director for Leaders and fellow past president, BHEAA     

“My lasting memory of Glenn will be attending his 50th birthday celebration which was hosted on the stage of the Theatre Royal. Like two naughty boys we decided to sneak into the Orchestra Pit and try out all the instruments, with me on the drums and Glenn on the piano we got caught red handed and told off by the management (not our wives). We couldn’t stop laughing while we tried to entertain his dinner guest with our hidden musical talents. Glenn had a great appetite for life and made work fun, he will be greatly missed but has well and truly made a positive contribution to so many people’s lives.”
Chris Oakley MRICS, Oakley Commercial

“It was a joy to work with Glenn. His sense of humour, sense of fun, his love of life, and above all his love of people and especially his family was a delight to see. His business was his pleasure, and it became ours too. He gave everything to the people around him, generous with his time and open with his affection. He was sunshine, pure sunshine.”
Sara Van Loock, Mishon Mackay

“Not only was Glenn a close family friend, he was a great family man who was loved and respected by all who knew him. A man with the utmost honesty, integrity and humility. He will be sadly missed and I know he has gone to a better place, where – God willing – his family friends will be re-united one day. Glenn will probably be organising the accommodation!”
With fondest memories and deepest sympathy
Kind regards
The Pook family