A BUSINESSMAN whose DIY store has been a cornerstone of a community shopping centre for decades has died suddenly in Spain, two days after celebrating his 81st birthday.

Bob Foster, who ran Foster’s DIY on Higher Parr Street, Fingerpost, passed away on holiday in Majorca with friends and family.

His eldest daughter Janice, from Cowley Hill, paid tribute to a father-of-four who was known for his lively, fun loving character, as well as his willingness to help people at the drop of a hat.

She told the Star: “We were on holiday in Majorca to celebrate his birthday on May 12. It was a great afternoon, with friends and family. Then on the 14th he passed away in his sleep, which was a huge shock because he was so fit and healthy.”

Bob, father to Janice, Gill, Clare and Neil and grandfather to seven, took over the family business, when his dad, also Robert, became ill.

Janice explained that although Bob Foster’s DIY occupied a number of shops over the years, since first opening in 1955, it has always remained nestled in the heart of Fingerpost.

Janice, who works as an air stewardess, added: “My dad started work at Twists, which was an old St Helens company, as a driver when he was 17,” It used to sell everything. He then worked for a while at Fibreglass, but when granddad was ill, he took over the shop. And he was there for more than 50 years.

“Dad was so active and young at heart. You’d never have guessed he was 81.

“Even on the day he passed, he had been fitting a cupboard in the bathroom. He’d even go across to the restaurant from our apartment in Majorca to sharpen their knives for them.”

Bob’s remains were cremated in Spain, where the family has had property for 20 years.

She added: “He loved it there. It was like his second home. His funeral service was lovely. It wasn’t held in church, because although he was a spiritual man, he wasn’t very religious. It was a nice family event and my cousin Paul Foster came over and made a speech, full of fond memories.”