A SON has paid tribute to his father who has died after a long illness.

Derek Chapman, who was well known in Evesham for owning the Hampton industrial est-ate, died at the age of 82 as a result of suffering a stroke nine years earlier.

Mr Chapman returned to Evesham after spending eight years in Canada where he met his wife Helen and had two children – Mike and Sue.

After years in the motor trade, Mr Chapman took over the Hampton industrial estate in 1971 and developed it over the next 26 years turning it into small industrial units and converting Hampton House and Clarkes Hill House into flats where many people started life and also started their own businesses.

A keen biker, Mr Chapman also ran the largest specialist shop in the town, Evesham Motorcycles.

His son Mike said: “He was a really generous and fun-loving sort of guy. Motorcycles were his passion and for many years he was a sergeant in the special constabulary.

“He got on with everyone and that was why a lot of people liked him and that is what made him so well known.”

Mr Chapman’s funeral will be held on Thursday, May 17, at Hampton Church. The service starts at noon.