A MEMBER of one of the most famous retail families in Yorkshire has died at the age 84.

Paul Boyes dedicated 67 years of his life to furthering the prospects of the chain of stores which has borne his family’s name since 1891, with its first outlet in Scarborough.

Mr Boyes, who spent the final years of his life in Stamford Bridge, was born in Scarborough in 1927, and was the last surviving grandson of Boyes founder William Boyes His daughter, Karen Boyes, said: “When Paul was 16 his beloved eldest brother Jim was killed during the Second World War, and in the same year his mother also died. “Despite all of this sadness he joined his father and two of his brothers (Peter and George) working in the family business.”

In 1944, aged only 17, Paul started work on the shop floor in Scarborough, his first position being in the Gentlemen’s Department, before he was called up for National Service. During this time he was a sick berth attendant in the Royal Navy, based in Portsmouth.

Following the war, his career in the ever-expanding family business continued when he went to the York store, which was then situated on Ouse Bridge, in a former paint warehouse.

Following a short spell in Liverpool, Mr Boyes returned to York in 1951 as a buyer of toys and fancy goods, and it was here he met his future wife, Doreen, who worked in the store.

After taking on the manager’s position at the Grimsby store, he again returned to York in 1968, after being appointed a member of the company board. He went on to work at the company until his retirement in 1991, but remained as a non-executive director until his death.

Karen said: “He ended his life happily at the Manor Nursing Home, sharing his brilliant sense of humour with those who cared for him. The family has received many letters from former employees now living all over the world, remembering what a wonderful, kind gentleman he was to work for and they take comfort in hearing many funny stories of events over the years.”

He died on August 1 and leaves three children, Susan, Karen and David; four grandchildren, Paul Andy, Julia and Melissa; and three great-grandchildren Billy, Alfie and Millie. His funeral took place at East Riding Crematorium on August 8.