DEREK Moss, who helped found the Moss Tyres empire, has died on the eve of his 80th birthday.

Mr Moss, from Garrow Hill, Heslington, York, who leaves a widow Pat, had been suffering from cancer for five months.

The former Fulford Junior School and Manor School pupil went to work for Thomas Cook travel agents in Coney Street, York, after leaving school before doing his National Service with the RAF.

He then got a job at Goodyear Tyre Company in Wolverhampton, where he learned all about the tyre trade and where he met Pat.

In 1957, he joined his father to form Moss Tyres, with their first depot situated in Cemetery Road. It later re-located to Foss Islands Road as the company expanded to a total of 13 depots across Yorkshire.

Mr Moss became involved in the Yorkshire National Tyre Dealers Association committee, and eventually became president of its national council in 1978.

David Falgate, who was sales director of Moss Tyres and worked there for 38 years, paid tribute to Mr Moss, saying: “Derek was a very good employer and a most considerate person. I enjoyed all my working life with him.”

Mr Moss was also a well-known local sportsman, and was a member of Sycamore and Acomb Tennis Clubs, York Railway Institute Badminton Club, Fulford Golf Club and Filey Sailing Club. For the past 16 years, he was a member of Ripon Sailing Club where he was an accomplished dinghy racer, winning many trophies.

He was also a member of York Bridge Club, where his name was on the honours board.

He was a keen cyclist, often cycling 20 to 30 miles, and he nursed his wife during her ill health over the last five years.

Eric Wilson, who had been a friend since junior school days, said Mr Moss had always been a popular figure and quietly did a lot of good work behind the scenes.

“He supported many charities in addition to sponsoring individuals, although I only got to know this after he had died.”