LEADING businessman Norman Richard Ringham died peacefully at home on Tuesday, aged 68. Mr Ringham was born in 1939 at Nene Parade in March and lived and worked in the town all his life. He attended Burrowmoor Primary School, then March Grammar School (he

LEADING businessman Norman Richard Ringham died peacefully at home on Tuesday, aged 68.

Mr Ringham was born in 1939 at Nene Parade in March and lived and worked in the town all his life.

He attended Burrowmoor Primary School, then March Grammar School (he was later an active member of the Old Boys' Association).

As a young man, he was involved in the Station Road Methodist church youth group where he won the Duke of Edinburgh Award for his work. After school, he attended technical colleges in Peterborough and Cambridge where he acquired his engineering qualifications.

He spent most of his working life as a self-employed gas, plumbing and heating engineer.

He then joined his wife Margaret in her antique and second hand business, Old and Not So Old, based in the High Street, and in 1991 opened a china and gift shop in Broad Street. He retired from the business in 2004.

Throughout his life, he was involved in many activities related to the town. He was president of the March Chamber of Commerce for 10 years and it was only his recent ill health which prevented from continuing in that role. He was still a committee member and was a 'driving force' behind some new ideas.

Gavin Philpott, chairman of the March Chamber of Commerce said: "His death is a great loss to the town and he will without doubt be sorely missed."

Mr Ringham was also the chairman of the Peterborough branch of the Federation of Small Businesses. This year he had an FSB marquee and a cup named after him at the East of England Show.

"He was a very good chairman who supported all the activities of the FSB in and around March," said FSB press officer Neville Blackwell. "It was to his great credit that he represented the FSB in this area.

"He was always smiling, always on the go; a very jovial person who was proud of and furthered the town of March wherever he went", added Mr Blackwell. "He will be much missed in the town."

Mr Ringham was involved with the March Christmas Lights Committee, March in Bloom and the Regeneration Partnership.

A talented artist, Mr Ringham started to paint in 1990 in water colours and acrylics, progressing to oils. He soon started to teach other people.

He married Margaret in 1961 and they have four children - Martin, Paul, Diane and Peter. He also leaves seven grandchildren and three brothers - Ronald, Stanley and Bill.

The funeral will take place on September 27 at Trinity Methodist Church, High Street, March at 12.30pm, followed by cremation at Peterborough.