Chairman of Keith Motors and grandfather of eight, Terry Keith, has died at the age of 79.

He was born as Charles Terry Keith, known as friends and loved ones as Terry, to parents, Charles and Ethel Keith, as the oldest of three siblings.

Terry went to Homefield School on the outskirts of Christchurch before being sent to boarding school at Allhallows in Devon, but remained passionate about the New Forest and coastal regions of Dorset.

After finishing his education, Terry trained as a chartered accountant and went to work at the Christchurch-based company, Ratworthy.

His entry into National Service was delayed due to his training, but he eventually joined the RAF in Grantham in a clerical role.

Terry went on to join his father's business alongside his brother, Richard, taking on the administration side, which Richard focused on sales, leading to the company expanding across several Ford dealerships. At one point, Terry even lived over the garage with his young family to devote as much time as possible to the family business.

He met his wife, Barbara, who worked as a hairdresser in the salon opposite the garage, during a function at a local sailing club, and the couple went on to have three children, Tania, Mark and Natasha. They would in turn collectively welcome eight children, which Terry doted on.

He never officially retired, but instead enjoyed a slower pace of life while keeping up to date with how business was going at Keith Motors.

Terry was made president of the Motor Agents in 1970 and was well known within the motor trade. He was also a member of a rotary club and took the call to confirm his appointment of becoming an honourable member the night before his death on March 24.

His funeral will be held tomorrow at Poole Crematorium at 11am with donations going to the RNLI.