A SILVERDALE businessman described by his family as ‘one of life’s true gentlemen’ has died aged 73.

Frank Holgate, chair of the family-owned Holgates Holiday Park, passed away on January 31 after a short and sudden illness.

Born in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, Mr Holgate learned how to use a hammer and nails at the age of two, and started helping with the family business of making bespoke caravans at an early age.

The Holgates came to Silverdale in 1956, and Mr Holgate’s father Billy died four years later.

Mr Holgate, with his mother Miriam, continued with the caravan manufacture business until 1964 when they decided to concentrate on building the caravan park.

Frank married his wife Judith in 1965 and moved to Silverdale to work full-time at the park.

Initially the caravan park was 106 acres of grass and scrubland with a variety of caravans on the park including a tram, double decker bus and an old road horse drawn caravan.

By the 1970’s an outdoor swimming pool and café had been built and in 1999 the main building was remodelled to include a new swimming pool, gym, restaurant, bar and shop.

Under Mr Holgate’s stewardship, the business expanded to include Far Arnside, Netherbeck, Bay View, Silver Ridge and Hollins Farm.

He is survived by his wife Judith, children Michael, Susan and Roger and grandchildren Jordan, James, Thomas, Abigail, Jack, Rebecca and Katie.

Mr Holgate handed the reins of the business over to son Michael some time ago and both Michael and Roger continue the family business. Daughter Susan also has her own park at Windermere.

Mr Holgate’s family said: “Frank loved sailing and for the past 21 years has enjoyed holidays chartering a sailing yacht with Judith in the Caribbean.

“But his real passion was ‘Holgates’, and he continued coming into work every day, helping with the business until the onset of his illness in December.

“Frank was one of life’s true gentlemen - he always had a smile and a cheery wave for everyone passing by.

“One might even say he was a legend in his own time, and we will sorely miss him.”

Mr Holgate's funeral is to be held at 11am today (Thursday) at Silverdale St. Johns Church.