TRIBUTES will be paid to the life of one of Malton's best-known and dedicated businessmen next week.
A service of thanksgiving in honour of Tim Tate-Smith, 78, is planned at St Peter's Church, Norton, after he passed away from a long illness at St Catherine's Hospice, Scarborough, on Saturday.
His son Mark said: "He coped with a long illness wi
th great dignity and died peacefully with his family around him."
Mr Tate-Smith was the driving force behind Tate-Smith Ltd which, under his guidance, expanded to become a major regional player in the drinks industry.
But it was not all business for the father of four, who served as a scout leader, was a founder member of the Malton and Norton Round Table and, later, a member of the local Rotary club. He also spoke fondly of his two years National Service in Hong Kong where he made, and remained in contact with, many friends.
He joined his father Tom to start his life-long association with the family business as a 16 year old in 1947.
As demand for soft drinks increased after the Second World War he oversaw the company's rapid expansion. It became a limited company in 1960 and, a few years later, he coined the trade name Sundella and registered it as a trademark.
Success bred success and in 1969 Mr Tate-Smith masterminded the relocation of the business to its current home in Sheepfoot Hill, Malton, and from where he set about producing an increased range of soft drinks and beers.
Working alongside his son Paul from 1982, he faced, adapted and overcame many industry changes over the years such as the rise of supermarkets, the demise of corner shops and a shrinking demand for returnable glass bottles.
And even at an age when most of his peers were content to enjoy retirement, Mr Tate-Smith would frequently visit the company's headquarters to offer advice and to quiz his son and daughter-in-law Cate about sales figures, cash flow and more.
"He was interested in the business right to the end," said Paul. "He was discussing work last week. The business was his life."
Mr Tate-Smith married Conny in Holland in 1958. He leaves his wife, children, Juliette, Paul, Mark and Tess, and 10 grandchildren.
A funeral service will take place at St Peter's Church, Norton, on Monday at noon followed by a private cremation at Octon.
Instead of floral tributes the family has asked for donations to be made to St Catherine's Hospice and St Peter's Church.
Visit www.justgiving.com/ timtatesmith
