Tony Earle, a lifelong member of the timber trade, died on July 25 after a short illness. He was 64.

During his career Mr Earle held senior management positions with Gliksten Hardwoods and the Tower Assets Group. In more recent years he worked for timber agency Charles Boss and Sons as later as owner and principal director of his own agency Earle & Company.

Mr Earle’s friends in the trade remember him as a consummate professional with a thorough grounding in all aspects of the hardwood trade. He was equally proficient in his knowledge of sources and properties of both tropical and temperate hardwoods.

He was well-known and much respected. He was warm-hearted and generous and his advice and support will be missed by his customers, associates and friends in the trade.

Mr Earle’s funeral was held on August 1.