A MAN who was partner in a North Lancashire master joinery business for 40 years has died, aged 76.

Warton-born Stephen Wilson worked from two workshops in North Road and Preston Street, Carnforth, along with his business partner Tony Stott.

Mr Wilson met Mr Stott at Dan Houghton's in Holme after completing his six year joinery apprenticeship with Frank Smith on Sun Street in Lancaster.

His entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured at an early age when Mr Smith, who attended St Mary of the Angels Junior School at Bolton-le-Sands, then Lancaster Cathedral Secondary School, picked blackberries and rose- hips to sell to the traders in Lancaster Market on his way to school.

He also went fluking on Warton shore with his dad and brothers, and his mum would cook them for tea. His first job was as a delivery boy for Mr. Dixon a butcher form Warton.

Throughout his life, Mr Wilson loved history and world affairs but it was at the Cathedral School where he discovered his favourite lesson – woodwork. There he gained his love of carpentry. His first creation was an oak drop leaf coffee table which is 62 years old and still in the family today.

Having left school at 15, he started his apprenticeship and was provided with no transport, carrying his tools between jobs or even pushing them in a cart.

He met his wife, Jean, at Warton Grange and they enjoyed dancing and would also take trips on his BSA Shooting Star motorbike.

They were married at Our Lady of Lourdes, Carnforth on the July 26 1963 – and recently celebrated 53 years of marriage. They moved into their first home at Warton Grange, where, as part of the conditions, Stephen had to work as a part-time bar man.

The couple had two children - Helen and Graham - and five grandchildren, Joshua, Sarah, Emily, Georgia and Laura.

Whilst running a business, Mr Wilson built two family homes. He was also a retained fireman for Carnforth and Silverdale and regularly donated blood for which he received a lifelong award.

Mr Wilson had a passion for carpentry and working with wood. One example of his craftsmanship can be seen in the Gothic windows at Leighton Hall, near Carnforth. He also created mahogany tables, doors and mirror frames on the Orient Express, an achievement that gave him great satisfaction.

He was a devout Roman Catholic and attended Our Lady of Lourdes, Carnforth, and latterly Milnthorpe Christ the King.

In his retirement he immersed himself in his love of the garden and the garden birds. He also loved a pint, and always looked forward to seeing his friends in his favourite establishments.

Mr Wilson was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in July and died surrounded by his immediate family.