A MUCH-loved father, grandfather and great-grandfather who worked in the gas industry for nearly half a century has died at the age of 90.

Francis Tipper, known as Frank, retired from the Southern Gas offices at Bourne Valley in November 1983 having started work as a fitter’s mate at the age of 14.

Promotion soon beckoned and Frank swapped his overalls for the smart uniform of a door boy, helping customers around the revolving doors at the Gas Board’s plush offices in Old Christchurch Road.

When gas lamps gave way to electricity Frank moved to the customer service department, ending up as assistant area services manager in charge of 28 employees.

During a long career he witnessed many advances in modern technology. Speaking during his retirement presentation, Frank told the Daily Echo: “You have to put yourself in the place of the customer and never lose your temper.”

Frank and his wife Jean, who passed away four years ago, had four daughters; Susan, Alison, Judith and Wendy.

Paying tribute to her father Wendy Bradbury, who lives in Poole, said: “He was very old fashioned but a brilliant dad who worked very hard to provide for our family.

“Dad loved his job with the gas board; I don’t remember him ever coming home stressed.

“He often used to joke that he could never get into the bathroom because of his wife and four daughters.”

Wendy added: “After retiring dad was happy just being at home with mum and pottering around in the garden. When she died his health started to deteriorate.”

Frank died on September 7 at Shalgrove nursing home in Westminster Road, Branksome. His funeral was at Bournemouth Crematorium on September 20.