John Owlett, former sales director of the fastenings distributor WM Owlett & Sons, died on Saturday March 15 after a long battle with cancer. He was 72.

Mr Owlett spent his entire working life with the company, joining in the 1950s after completing his national service, and eventually becoming sales director, dealing with major clients and key accounts.

Owletts was very much a family firm; his brother David also worked for the company, and his cousin Jim was managing director.

He retired at the age of 60 in 1996, by which time Owletts had grown to a £46m turnover with three depots. The company was sold to Decco the following year.

He is survived by his widow Uta, daughter Josephine, and sons Richard and Nicholas.

The funeral service is at St Nicholas Church, Church Road, Chislehurst, Kent, on Monday March 31 at 1pm.

No flowers by request but donations may be sent to Prostate Cancer Charity, c/o Francis Chappell & Sons, 231 High Street, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1NZ.