A MASTER cabinet maker who made and restored furniture in York’s Shambles for more than 60 years has died, aged 97.

Ernest Freeborn, known to everyone as Fred, was a York Scoutmaster and senior Scouting official for many years.

He leaves a daughter, Anne, and a son, John.

Mr Freeborn said his father, who lived in Clifton, served his apprenticeship at workshops in the Cotswolds run by renowned furniture designer Gordon Russell before serving in the RAF during the Second World War.

He then moved to York and went into partnership with John Greenwood in 1948 before taking over the business in 1951.

“Examples of his work can be seen in York Minster and many homes and churches throughout the country,” his son said.

“In 1979, he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacture and Commerce in recognition of his work.”

John became an apprentice in 1969 and then a partner, and Fred later handed the firm, E J Freeborn and Son, over to him, and it remains in business today.

Mr Freeborn said his father had carried on taking an active interest in the business after retiring, and enjoyed chatting to customers and visitors in the shop.

Fred had been the Scoutmaster of the Garrison Troop in Fulford, and was Group Scoutmaster, known as Skip, from 1050 until 1963.

“He then became District Commissioner for the North Division until 1968. On resigning his commission, he was involved in testing new Scout leaders for their warrants.”

Fred and his late wife, Peggy, joined the York CHA and HF Rambling Club in the late 1960s and enjoyed more than two decades of rambling, and served two terms as president of the club.

• Mr Freeborn died peacefully last week in York Hospital. His funeral will take place at 11.30am on Friday at York Crematorium, with a collection for the Friends of York Hospital and the rambling club’s benevolent fund.