THE chairman of a York joinery company has died after a two and a half year struggle with cancer.

Peter Thompson, of Earswick, was a master joiner serving his apprenticeship at the York joinery company Dents, before branching out on his own.

He established and became chairman of Peter Thompson Joinery and its sister company Peter Thompson of York, said marketing manager Helen Thompson, who was his daughter-in-law.

She said that since the companies were founded in 1975, they had developed an enviable reputation for quality and service, and they were continuing to operate from their base in Green Park Business Centre, Sutton On Forest, following his death.

She said Mr Thompson left a widow Glenise, three children Robert, Jonathan and Vicky, and five grandchildren.

He was a keen gardener and family man and an enthusiastic golfer and member of Forest Park Golf Club, and he was recently inducted into the Guild of Merchant Adventurers, she said.

"He showed great courage throughout his illness and continued to provide leadership and support to the management of both of his companies until very shortly before his death," she said.

"Although he will be sorely missed, his legacy is to have left behind two companies run with the spirit and ethos he instilled.

"If ‘by your works shall ye be judged’ he will be remembered with respect and affection."

Mr Thompson's funeral service will take place at 11am on Friday at All Saints church in Huntington, with mourners invited afterwards to Forest Park Golf Club at Stockton on the Forest.

Helen said the collection would be for St Leonard's Hospice in York and Macmillan Nurses, both of which had given excellent care to Mr Thompson.