Businessman and former racer Barry Kibble dies aged 74

Tributes were today paid to Barry Kibble, from Oaken near Wolverhampton, who founded Autosales Ltd with his father-in-law Len Turner in 1958.

He was also a keen hot rod racer at Hednesford Hills Raceway during the 1960s and even appeared as a stunt driver in Hollywood film In Search of Gregory in 1968.

Mr Kibble also set up Vulcan Investments Ltd based in Bilston which owns and manages commercial property. His wife Ann, aged 74, today paid tribute to a "wonderful" and "caring" man.

Paul Spragg, 62, who has worked as a mechanic at Autosales for the past 27 years, said: "He was a wonderful gaffer and they are a lovely family to work for. We will all miss him."

Mr Kibble was born in Wednesfield. He won a scholarship to Bilston Grammar School but was unable to continue his education after the death of his father in 1954. He joined the Bilston branch of Woolworths as a trainee manager then went on to do three years National Service as a bandsman in the Queen's Bays (Second Dragoon Guards) playing trumpet and cornet.

Fanfare

He often played fanfare trumpet at Clarence House for the Queen Mother.

After retiring from motor sport in 1973, Mr Kibble took up golf, becoming a member of South Staffordshire Golf Club. He was captain of the club in 2002. He also found time for many charitable causes and was a member of Bilston Round Table for many years, becoming chairman in 1975.

He became a Freemason in 1984, joining St Peter's Lodge in Wolverhampton. Mrs Kibble said: "Barry was wonderful. He was very caring and loving. He loved his family."

Mr Kibble died earlier month after a long fight with prostate cancer. He leaves behind daughters Debbie, 51, and Julie, 49, son Stephen, 46, and six grandchildren, Daniel, Andrew, Mitchell, Georgina, Alexander and Victoria. His funeral will be held on Monday at St Nicholas Church in Codsall at 10am.