THE man who kept the books for one of York's biggest firms, has died of cancer, aged 68.

Tributes have been paid to Ian Till, who recently moved to Easingwold from his family home in Hamilton Way, Holgate, York.

He had a distinguished career as chief accountant for the Shepherd Building Group before his retirement five years ago.

During his many years with the firm, he saw it grow into one of the country's biggest building companies.

Mr Till's widow, Susan, who he married last year after the death of his first wife, Caroline, in 2005, joked that he remained loyal to the profession to the very end - as he died on the last day of the tax year.

She said: "He did so much for so many people and really believed in treating everyone well.

"When Caroline died Ian was devastated, but I think he realised that because he'd had such a good life with her and the two boys, he could move on. I believe that we met for a reason, and that I was meant to be there to look after him."

Mr Till, who nearly died of meningitis when he was 13, was born in Burley-in-Wharfedale. He grew up in Ilkley and was educated at The Leys School, in Cambridge.

He was a devoted Christian and attended St Paul's Church, in Holgate, where he was treasurer for 20 years. His passions included horseracing, cricket and rugby.

Mr Till represented Yorkshire at chess and also undertook the accounting for the Barbarians Rugby Club.

His son, Rupert, 39, said: "He was kind, generous and very loving. He was very good with numbers and could do long multiplication in his head. Dad was very much an old school accountant."

Dennis Reaston, who worked with him at the Shepherd Group, said: "Ian had a tremendous brain and a great faith. He was a great employee."

Mrs Till paid tribute to the care her husband was given by staff at York Hospital, St Monica's Hospital, Easingwold, and his physiotherapists, district nurses and GPs.

Mr Till's funeral will take place at St Paul's Church, Holgate, at noon on Monday. He leaves behind his wife, Susan, sister, Judy, and sons, Rodger and Rupert.