Family tribute to 'kind' Wyre Forest businessman with a 'sharp wit'

A funeral was held last month for Douglas William Wilson Pound, known as Doug, who died at the age of 92.

Mr Pound was born in Rock, Worcestershire, in October 1930 and was educated at Far Forest School and Sebright School.

He completed his national service in the RAF serving at RAF Cosford, RAF Binbrook and at Shallufa, Egypt.

Mr Pound joined the family business, Alton Glasshouses, and later became managing director.

Alton became a major local employer under his watch. In its heyday in the 1960s, Alton was said to be the largest manufacturer of greenhouses for the amateur gardener in Europe.

The business was bought out by Banbury Buildings and, later, he went on to start and develop another successful garden-building business in the local area.

As a young man, he was an enthusiastic sportsman playing football, cricket, and tennis for local teams in Heightington and Far Forest, becoming Chair of Far Forest Tennis Club.

He also had a lifelong passion for cars and was a member of various car clubs.

He supported many charities and organisations including Kidderminster Hospital League of Friends, Forest Dog Rescue, the Severn Valley Railway, and the Bewdley Civic Society. He was also a faithful supporter of the Kidderminster Harriers and Wolverhampton Wanderers football clubs.

He was married to his wife, Jean, for 66 years and they shared a love of animals, gardening, wildlife, walking, and travelling abroad.

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Mr Pound, who died on January 9, leaves a widow, two daughters and five grandchildren.

Paying tribute, his daughters Cindy and Carol said: “Doug was kind, gentle and extremely intelligent with a sharp wit and a great sense of fun.

"He was a wonderful, loving, and supportive father and was always patient and generous with his time and wisdom.

"He set us a great example as a person of huge integrity, modesty and a strong work ethic".