TRIBUTES have been paid to businessman, traveller and wildlife photographer Derek Francis who died this week, aged 91, following a short illness.

Mr Francis, born in 1924, owned and ran the furniture business Francis of Malvern Ltd, which had been was founded in 1933 by his father as W Francis and Son Ltd.

The company is one of the best-known and longest established businesses in the area, with numerous customers across Worcestershire and the wider area.

Mr Francis leaves a widow, Susan.

Mr and Mrs Francis always planned that the business that he and his father worked so hard to build up would continue and flourish.

Three and a half years ago, they handed over the day-to-day running and development of the three Malvern Link stores to their appointed management team, headed by managing director and majority shareholder Donald Mackenzie.

Mr Mackenzie said: “Derek will be sadly missed, yet his passion lives on in Sue and in the Francis staff here. He created a family business that is now thriving and has an exciting future.

“Their huge passion for Francis of Malvern meant that Derek and Sue put measures in place to secure the longevity of the business. All the staff owe Derek and Sue a debt of gratitude for their support help with the development of the business.”

Pam Roberts, who was company secretary for many years, described him as an "astute businessman".

"Having worked alongside Derek for over 40 years, he became to me like an older brother, a man with a heart of gold, a side of him not known to everyone."

Fellow businessman Robin Elt said: “I think the most amazing thing is that with all the ups and downs with high street retail over the last 30 or so years he managed to maintain his business and expand with a high quality profile. That is to be admired tremendously.

“I have very great admiration for his consistency in business.”

Malvern mayor Julian I'Anson said: "It was with sadness that I heard of the death of Derek Francis. His company is one of the major players in Malvern, and most families will have bought something from one of their stores, be it a made-to measure mattress, a lamp or a dining table and chairs.

"I send my condolences to his loved ones and hope that the house of Francis will continue to prosper for many years to come."

Mrs Francis said: "We would have had our 28th wedding anniversary shortly. When we were first married, we didn't anticipate that we would celebrate our silver wedding anniversary, and I'm delighted we had so much time together, though it would have been nice to have a little more."

Mr Francis was also known as an enthusiastic traveller, wildlife enthusiast and photographer, as well as a keen horse rider.

Mrs Roberts said: "Many will know from seeing his film shows that he was an excellent photographer with a passion for wildlife and the preservation of their habitats."

Mr and Mrs Francis founded the Francis Wildlife Charitable Foundation, which has given tens of thousands of pounds to wildlife charities in recent years.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been confirmed.