Eddie Moss, co-founder of jukebox specialist Sound Leisure, died at the age of 86 on January 2 following an extended stay in hospital.
Moss started in the amusement and gaming machine industry in the 1960s when he was an operator in Leeds, West Yorkshire. Following this, he set up Tic Tac Toe, a distribution company that specialised in gaming machine sales and introduced NSM jukeboxes to the UK. During this time, he also spent 15 years on the ATA Northern Section Committee – the forerunner to BACTA.
It was during his time running Tic Tac Toe that Alan Black approached him with an idea to manufacture British jukeboxes. Moss recognised the potential of the plan and provided the financing to set up Sound Leisure, in return for a half-share in the business.
Eddie retained an office at Sound Leisure from the start and was often to be found at his desk with his beloved dogs. His last visit to the office was in October.
“Eddie was like an uncle to Mike, myself and my kids and like a brother to my father. We all often went away together on holiday and have some wonderful memories. Eddie was a true gentleman and even though this is not unexpected, the loss of Eddie is devastating to us all,” said Chris Black.
In his later years, Moss’ love of travel saw he and his wife Irene spend months abroad every year. He also had a great passion for rugby league and was made a club patron of Leeds Rhinos in 2000, having been a long-time supporter and a founder member of the Taverners Club in 1965. On Thursday, the club issued a statement expressing its “deep sadness” at learning of Eddie’s passing.
He leaves a son, Kevin, granddaughters Sarah and Caroline and great-grandchildren Poppy and Tyler.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
