One of the pillars of High Wycombe’s furniture making community and history “will be missed by many”, a former chair maker has said after residents in the town learned of the former factory owner’s death.

Ian Francis Finlator who founded and owned furniture factory Antocks Lairn - based in High Wycombe - for more than three decades before he sold the business and moved away from the town in the early 2000s, sadly passed away towards the end of last year.

Even though he has not been an integral part of the town for more than 10 years, many former employees and friends from the south of Bucks will remember the 75-year-old who has this week been described as a “real gentlemen”.

Reg Barlow worked under Mr Finlator as an upholsterer for many years and has praised his good sense of humour and the way he treated his staff as a testament to his character.

Mr Barlow said: “He was a very nice man and I found it quite easy to talk to him and be friendly.

“What many people who hadn’t worked with him probably wouldn’t know was that he always did a lot for the people who worked at his factory.

“I have a pension because of him and when I was there he was happy to get all the workers a pension.”

Mr Barlow added: “He was a real honest gentleman, very good in business and someone that many people will have known and will now miss.” Born in December 1938, is it understood Mr Finlator opened his factory in Sands in the late 1960s before relocating to Cressex where it stood for some 30 years.

He sadly died on September 13 and his funeral was held at a church in Temple Guiting one month later.

Did you know Ian Finlator? Please leave your tributes by commenting below, emailing andrew.colley@london.newsquest.co.uk or writing to Bucks Free Press, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, HP10 9TY.