ONE of the founders of Bolton's longest established and best known firms has died.

Frank Cox died at the age of 86 on December 27, just days after his daughter-in-law Rosa Garcia Cox lost her battle against cancer at the age of just 57.

Mr Cox was one of the sons in the family civil engineering firm George Cox & Sons, the foundations of which can be traced back to April of 1947.

The Bolton News:

(Frank Cox)

Son Cllr Martyn Cox, who is the deputy leader of Bolton Council, said: "My dad passed away five days after my wife so it has been an incredibly sad time for the family.

"Given my dad’s humble background he lived an incredible life dominated by his wife Pat Cox his family, the founding of George Cox & Sons a very successful local civil engineering company, playing in the local cricket leagues, golf and latterly bridge."

Cllr Cox added: "He travelled extensively and wrote several books on his experiences as well as being a father to six and grandfather to 19 and great grandfather to three. It was life well lived and we are incredibly proud of him and what he achieved. Not bad for a lad from Farnworth."

Mr Cox grew up in Farnworth, and it was in 1947, when his father George Cox began working for himself as "George Cox Flagging Contractor" with his then two young sons, George Jr. and Frank, helping him at weekends and during school holidays — something that would become a family tradition.

Today the firm's clients include local and national corporations.

In 1953, the family set up George Cox and Sons. In 1965 Mr Cox took over the running of George Cox and Sons Ltd and today his son Chris is at the helm as managing director. The firm continues to have a base in Farnworth.

Chris said: "Everyone in the family has been overwhelmed by the support and affection that dad was held both at George Cox & Sons Ltd and the wider community.

"He was very proud of his town and his roots and was energetically involved in a wide range of social, and charitable groups throughout his life.

"Amongst others these included Chairman of Bolton Cricket Club , Chairman of Bolton Catholic and Choral Society , President Farnworth Rotary to name a few.

"A keen bridge player, he even set up and ran a thriving Bridge club in Heaton."

Chris added: "Everyone has spoken of his warmth , integrity and his love of life and how he enriched the lives of everyone he came in contact with . He will be sorely missed."

The funeral service will be held at St Thomas of Canterbury Church in Lonsdale Road Heaton Bolton on Friday, starting at 10.00 , followed by committal at Heaton Crematorium.