A service of thanksgiving for the life of Andrew Froude – one of the industry’s most respected figures – is to be held on January 30.

The former chairman of Jackson-Stops & Staff, a position he had held for 20 years, died shortly before Christmas at the age of 78.

Paying tribute, the company said of Andrew Froude:

He first joined the Chester office in 1963 as a land agent and rapidly established a reputation across the north-west of England as an authoritative and skilful agent.

He joined the board of directors in 1982.

In 1992 he was appointed chairman of the firm and saw the business more than double in size under his stewardship.

He stood down as chairman in 2013 after 50 years with the company, yet remained a consultant and actively involved in the business to the very end.

Born in Berkshire in 1936, he was educated at Leighton Park School, Reading, where he also developed a keen interest in sport. He played cricket for both Berkshire and Montgomeryshire before moving north to live in Cheshire.

He was a keen and very able golfer, for some years playing off a single-figure handicap. He was captain of the Chartered Surveyors Golf Society and the City of Chester Golf Society.

He had a keen interest in the countryside and country sports, was a frequent visitor to Chester races and supported the various local point to points.

In 1998 he married Pat and together they shared their love for golf and the countryside.

He is survived by his wife, two sons and four grandchildren.

A service of Thanksgiving will be held at St Andrew’s Church, Tarvin, Cheshire, on Friday, January 30, at 12.30pm.