David Quayle, one of the co-founders of B&Q, has died aged 73.
Mr Quayle died on board P&O Aurora off the coast of South Africa on April 6, 2010 leaving behind his wife Chrissie, children Simon, Trudie, Jon and Ed, and stepchildren Jo and Ali, and "many" grandchildren.

Mr Quayle founded the retail chain with Richard Block in 1969. Speaking of his death, Ian Cheshire, ceo of B&Q parent company Kingfisher, said: "David Quayle was a true entrepreneur who, together with B&Q's co-founder Richard Block, created a genuinely new retail concept. It was David's vision that helped create the successful B&Q we know today, with its 330 stores and 30,000 staff. We all owe him a great debt. He will be greatly missed."

B&Q ceo Euan Sutherland added: "We are all saddened at B&Q to hear of the death of one of our founders, David Quayle. He was an inspirational man who co-founded the business in 1969. I had the privilege of meeting him when he visited us last year at our New Malden store to see how the business had moved on, where he demonstrated a sharp eye for business and a fantastic way with people. We will all miss him and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."

Memorial service to be held in Winchester Cathedral on Friday May 7 at 2pm. All welcome. Enquires to Richard Steel & Partners, Winchester 01962 862333.