Born in Somerset a few months before the outbreak of the second world war, Mr Cox attended local schools before starting work at John Snow & Co in Glastonbury in September 1955.

He learned the timber trade and worked his way through the company, progressing through to senior management at what is now Snows Timber Ltd, becoming sales director and then purchasing director.

He used his knowledge and experience to mentor many Snows employees as they progressed through the business. He retired in 2001.

He will be sadly missed by colleagues and protégés alike. He is survived by his wife Celia and his four children.