Martyn Clarke, who was one of the founder members of the tool distributor CA Clemson & Sons, has died. He was 71.
Mr Clarke joined Clemson's in 1974, before it linked up with Curtis Holt to form the Toolbank group, and went on to become Halesowen branch manager and a director of the company.

"Martyn became one of the true characters within our trade," said Clemson MD Steve Clemson. "He was particularly associated with the development of the relationship between Toolbank and Troy, where he engendered very many, special long-lasting business relationships. He bravely fought acute respiratory problems for very many years, as a result of which he was forced to accede to medical advice and retire from the business in 2004."

Notwithstanding his own health difficulties, Mr Clarke continued to be active in the trade, as one of the network of volunteers making regular visits to beneficiaries of the Rainy Day Trust, the industry charity. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carole, his daughter Claire, and his 10 year-old grandson, Sam.

The funeral will be at Wyre Forest Crematorium (DY13 8DE) on Tuesday, May 3, at 1pm.