A businessman whose family have a rich history in High Wycombe has sadly passed away at the age of 92, with close relatives describing him as a “nurturing and caring” man.

The grandson of Isaac Lord, Horace was born in 1922 as the furniture industry thrived across the Chilterns and he later helped expand what is thought of as one of the best known businesses in the town.

With four children, eight grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren he leaves behind a big family and will be missed by many friends in Wycombe and Swanage, where he lived after his retirement in the 1990s.

One of his three sons, Jeff Lord, has now recalled his fond memories of his father.

He said: “He was very much a family man and was proud of his family. He was a loving husband to Betty until her sudden death in 1991 and then found happiness again with Joy who he married in 1999.

“Horace’s smile and quiet nature, his inspiration and dedication to his family, faith and work will continue to shine through those who were privileged to know him.”

He added: “He was innovative and prescient in making strong links with German manufacturers and incorporating ideas from the USA. “He was invited to join Rotary Club in High Wycombe and became treasurer and secretary. After he retired he became involved with Past Rotarians in Swanage and tried to go along to meetings until he was in his 90’s.

“His son Alan and grandson Matthew built the firm into one that gained national awards for being named ‘Tool Dealer of the Year’ despite all the competition from DIY warehouses and online trading.

“On retiring, Horace wrote a history of the firm which was founded in 1892 and reflecting his love of cricket titled it ‘A Century at Lords’.”

Grandfather Isaac had started the family firm of ironmongers, named Isaac Lord, in Desborough Road, and his son George (Horace’s father) continued to build up the small shop before Horace took over.

As well as his links with the business, family have also described his “strong Methodist faith” as something which shone brightly throughout his lifetime.

Jeff said: “Along with a five and a half day week at the firm, Horace used the seventh day to be a local preacher walking and cycling to local churches, sometimes with his violin to play the hymns, to preach and serve the church and the small congregations in the High Wycombe area.

“His war service started with the Home Guard protecting the playing field at the Grammar School and then was in Newcastle-on-Tyne where he continued in the Home Guard and worked as a draughtsman at the Vickers Armstrong armaments factory.

“When he retired to Swanage, as do many from the Wycombe area, he also preached there and was a vital member of the local church where his thanksgiving service was full of family, friends and old colleagues.

“He supported numerous charities generously and in his eighties drove ‘older people’ to the local hospice.”

In next week’s Free Press Nostalgia columnist Mike Dewey will be looking back at the history of the Isaac Lord shop.

Do you remember Horace or other members of the Lord family? Share your memories by emailing andrew.colley@london.newsquest.co.uk or calling 01494 755089.