ONE of the best known figures in the Worcester motor trade in the second half of the 20th century, Robert Blakeley “Blake” Barker, has died at the age of 96.

He joined the family firm of P.W. Barker Ltd in Lowesmoor in 1939 and remained a director until it ceased trading in 1984.

Mr Barker was also a longstanding member of the Worcestershire Motor Club and took part in the 1939 RAC Rally.

Worcester solicitor and long-time friend David Hallmark said: “Locally born and educated and after wartime service with distinction, Blake Barker returned to his home town and dedicated himself to the local community and contributed mightily to the nurturing of facilities and opportunities for his fellow citizens.”

Apart from five years in Coventry as an apprentice at the Standard Motor Company and his wartime Army REME service in Italy from 1943-46, for which he was mentioned in dispatches, Mr Barker was a lifelong resident of Worcester.

He was educated at the King’s School, winning colours for both cricket and rugby. The family automobile sales and repair business had been founded by his father in 1906 and he joined it as secretary and director in 1939.

Mr Barker was a keen swimmer, his father having been a founding member of the Worcester Swimming Club.

He became treasurer of the Worcester Swimming Club from 1946-1977, officiated frequently at swimming galas and swam every Monday night until very recently. He was also instrumental in fund-raising for the construction of the Lower Wick Swimming Pool.

Mr Barker was also an accomplished golfer and served as captain of the Worcester Golf and Country Club, Boughton Park, in 1954-55, where he met his wife Esther. He was also captain of the squash section from 1959 to 1962. In 1957 he won the golf club’s most prestigious competition, the Dick Cup.

He was a devoted member of the Freemasons, and was initiated into the Page Lodge in 1946, where he held many positions over the years, including serving twice (1962 and 2002) at the First Principal of the Page Royal Arch Chapter No. 3378.

One of Mr Barker’s lifelong pursuits was mountaineering and he climbed extensively with the Midland Association of Mountaineers. He loved the mountains of North Wales, climbing Snowdon more than 50 times. He also made Alpine ascents in Austria, Switzerland and Italy.

In later years he restricted his walking to the Worcestershire countryside, but maintained a remarkable physical fitness, making an ascent of the Worcestershire Beacon with his granddaughters at the age of 92 with ease. Mr Barker died in Worcestershire Royal Hospital after a short illness.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years Esther Mary Barker, their two sons, John and Peter, and two grand-daughters, Catherine and Stephanie Barker.

A remembrance ceremony will be held at 2.30pm on Friday at the St Edburga Church, Leigh, followed by a reception at Worcester Golf and Country Club.