TERRY Baber, a former managing director for printing firm Kodak, died on December 31, aged 72.

Mr Baber began his career as an apprentice printer and worked his way up the management ladder to become the managing director of Polychrome UK and later he assumed the same role at Kodak Polychrome Graphics.

He ended his career as the general managing director of Kodak’s printing business in the UK. His ability to produce profits during trying economic circumstances was widely respected and appreciated by the firm’s owners.

A colleague of Mr Baber at Polychrome described him as a “formidable” boss with “great business acumen”.

“Throughout his business life and the time that I knew him he was always generous of spirit, respected by staff, customers and the entire print industry,” he said.

Mr Baber was born in Bristol on March 24, 1942, the eldest of six children.

He was a very practical man, able to turn his hands to anything which needed to be done around the home and building two much-admired conservatories.

He and his wife Vera, whom he married in 1974, enjoyed buying and renovating properties, and he did much to help out neighbours and family friends.

A very down-to-earth man, Mr Baber would tell people he worked in “sales”, never elaborating on his managerial position.

The family, including children Tracey, Sharon and Emma, enjoyed travelling and took caravan holidays to various seaside resorts in the early years.

Later in life, the pair took trips further afield to Europe, America, Australia and the Far East, as well as a three-month round-the-world trip.

He became closely involved with Bure Probus Club taking on the role of social secretary, organising events and helping members with their problems.

He also enjoyed golf and watching Bristol City Football Club.

Mr Baber retired in 2007. In 2014 he and his wife celebrated their Ruby Wedding Anniversary – their last evening out together.

He had recovered from kidney cancer some 21 years before his death, and was given the all clear following a check-up a few years later.

However his illness had not been fully eradicated and he was diagnosed with secondary cancer in December 2010.

He remained optimistic, upbeat and determined and bore his illness with grace and dignity.

He died at the Macmillan Unit in Christchurch Hospital, to which his family have expressed their heartfelt thanks for supporting him through his final days.

They have paid tribute to his “patience, kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness” and “sense of humour and fun”.

Mr Baber is survived by his wife Vera, their three daughters, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.