RAY Meredith, who had been a director of a well-known family firm of Bromsgrove builders for 40 years and who was actively involved in the social life of the town, has died aged 83.

Ray died suddenly at his home in Stoke Pound last Thursday.

He leaves a widow Joan, three children and four grandchildren. Another grandchild is expected in June.

Born in Wiltshire, Ray went to school in Wells before his family moved to Shrubbery House in Bromsgrove, the home of his grandfather Albert Brazier

After a distinguished army career, during which he attained the rank of captain, Ray join the family firm of J and A Brazier, builders of Worcester Road. He became a director in 1950. The firm was sold in 1990.

His lifelong interest in construction and architecture, he trained at Birmingham School of Architecture, naturally led him becoming involved with the Bromsgrove Society. He was its chairman from 1993 to 1996.

With his second cousin Roger Brazier, he was a vice president of the society. A man of many interests, Ray was a founder member of the Round Table and Bromsgrove Photographic Society and as a young man he played hockey for Bromsgrove.

The Rotary Club and Court Leet were other interests despite holding down a busy career.

He was bailiff in 1987 and his son James, at present a juror in the court, is following in the family tradition.

His garden at the home he and Joan have occupied since 1965 was a constant source of pleasure to him. He was never happier than when pottering among his choice apple trees, tending his poultry or gathering fruit to turn into delicious home made wine.

But perhaps his greatest love outside his family was Morgan cars. He was vice president of the Morgan Sports Car Club and an accomplished driver.

He had been a familiar and popular figure on Midlands' hill climb circuits since the 1950s and did not hang up his helmet until he was aged 75. A private family funeral will be followed by a thanksgiving service at noon on February 15 at St Michael's Church, Stoke Prior.