A PROMINENT Bradford businessman who devoted his life to his family, his furniture business and charitable work has died four weeks short of his 91st birthday.

Christopher Barwick Pratt - known to everyone as Barry - was the fourth generation to be involved in the family furnishing business, formerly Christopher Pratt and Sons, which was based for many years in North Parade, Bradford.

After attending Prince Henry's Grammar School in Otley and Bradford College of Art, Mr Pratt joined the family business as a furniture salesman in 1940 - 100 years after the company was founded by his great-grandfather.

After joining the firm, he gained experience in all departments.

On his father's retirement in 1958, Mr Pratt was appointed a director and took charge of the cabinet-making department which specialised in fitment furniture and he later became furniture buyer.

He was appointed managing director and company secretary in 1965, holding the same position as his father, grandfather and great-grandfather, an unbroken link of four generations.

During the war years he was a member of the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, serving in the UK from 1943 until he was demobbed in 1949 with the rank of Sergeant.

Mr Pratt retired in 1989 after working for the family firm for 49 years. His brother, David, took over as chairman and completed 45 years' service.

The brothers often teased one another about who had given the most service.

Mr Pratt's daughter, Liz Chadwick, paid tribute to him as a kind and thoughtful gentleman.

"Dad was a very loyal and considerate man who always had a witty comment for everyone. Many cards we have been sent refer to his sense of humour.

"He was very proud of all his family as well as the business. He had a love of furniture even after retirement when he made some lovely pieces.

"As kids he would make us fantastic wooden toys and later made them for the grandchildren," she said.

Mr Pratt, who lived in the same house in Lower Baildon all his life, was also a keen Rotarian in Bradford and a committed Methodist.

He attended his final Rotary meeting just last month and had previously held positions of trustee and chapel steward at Baildon Westgate Church.

He also enjoyed repairing hand tools for the charity Tools for Self Reliance which works with projects across Africa.

Mr Pratt died on July 11 following a short illness.

He is survived by his wife Ursula, whom he wed in 1958, and their four children and six grandchildren.

A service of thanksgiving will take place at Baildon Methodist Church on Wednesday, July 22 at noon, followed by cremation at 3.20pm at Nab Wood Crematorium, Shipley.