David Hindley

He joined the board in 1966 – his great-great uncle, George Lewis, jointly founded the firm in 1899 – and remained a major influence, maintaining the store's traditional values and high street business focus, while developing operations progressively to cope with the ever-increasing competition on the high street.

He was a fanatical supporter of independent businesses and a staunch backer of staff and management in their involvement in the local community and their determination to enhance the company's reputation as one of the country's top food and wine businesses.

Although he lived much of his life in Leicestershire, Mr Hindley maintained a routine presence on the shop floor at Lewis & Cooper's Northallerton store, where his impeccable manners and gentlemanly ways were popular with staff and customers alike.

He spent the bulk of his career in the shoe trade, travelling widely as part of his business, which specialised in high fashion ladies' shoes.

"He was a great salesman," said his brother, Jonathan. "He loved the shoe industry and made a lot of friends all over Europe."

Lewis & Cooper chairman Dr David Gearey, who was Mr Hindley's cousin, said: "David's enthusiasm, determination and support coloured the L&C board meetings over many years.

"He had a fine and mischievous sense of humour and sales skills second to none. His fellow directors, staff and clients – both at L&C and in his own shoe business – all counted him as their friends. We will all miss his presence, his wit and his enthusiasm."

Mr Hindley died at his home in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, on September 17.

Divorced from wife Ann, he leaves his brother, a sister, Pam, a daughter, Janine, son-in-law Chris, and three grandchildren, as well as his partner, Daphne Bates. He was predeceased by a son.