GEORGE Rolfe, described as a 'man of High Wycombe', has died peacefully aged 89.

Mr Rolfe spent his working life in the furniture trade in High Wycombe working for Birch's, the largest manufacturer in the town, and then G-Plan, becoming a director in his last years there.

The father-of-four was born in Winchmore Hill, North London.

In 1917 his father was appointed chief accountant to William Birch Ltd and the Rolfe family moved to High Wycombe.

Mr Rolfe, a former Royal Grammar School student, learned all aspects of the furniture trade by asking to work in each department for three months.

To further his knowledge he visited Germany in 1936 and Poland in 1939 studying both forests and factories to learn about timber and about the latest manufacturing methods.

During the Second World War the authorities decided he should remain in the factory, which was turned over to making parts for the Mosquito aircraft.

Mr Rolfe played a big part in the town's community, being the chairman of a Girl's Club during the war, a dedicated member and church warden of All Saints Parish Church, and a loyal member and former president of the town's Rotary Club.

He received the Rotary's Paul Harris Fellowship Award for outstanding service along with Roger Raffety of the family estate agents.

His son John said Mr Rolfe was a great father. He added: "I think people will remember him most for his honesty and integrity. He was a very warm person and treated everyone equally."

He leaves wife Elizabeth, sons John and Alastair, daughters Sheila and Philippa, and eight grandchildren.