Ray Scotting, until recently managing director of Liberon Ltd, died on Christmas Day. He was 68, and had been diagnosed with cancer earlier in 2012.
Mr Scotting joined Liberon as managing director in May 2004, and remained as head of the UK operation until he retired in August 2012. His career began with an eight-year stint in the army, followed by sales roles in the frozen food and confectionery markets. In the mid 1980s he joined Bostik as sales and marketing manager, and stayed with the company until after it merged with rival Evo-Stik - at which point the offer from Liberon lured him away.

He was also a long-standing board member at the Rainy Day Trust, the industry charity, serving as president in 2004-2006.

Industry colleagues have paid tribute to his work. "He worked energetically for the RDT and pulled out when he thought he didn't have anything more to offer," said Ashley Leboff, president in 2008-2010. "'Better I hand over to younger blood' he told me when, much against my will, he stepped down from the charity."

"A truly decent man, always generous," said Andrew Weiss, former MD of Isaac Lord in High Wycombe.

"He was a very knowledgeable person and a pleasure to work for," said Liberon marketing manager Elaine Farrar. "I still find it hard not to see him walk into my office every day. He will be sadly missed."

Funeral details have not yet been confirmed, but will be published on diyweek.net as soon as possible.