The family of a chairman to a number of Liverpool businesses have paid tribute to him.
Gerald Corlett, affectionately known as Gerry to everyone he knew, died earlier this year after suffering from Alzheimer's for a number of years.
The 96-year-old, who grew up in Upton before moving to Caldy and West Kirby as an adult, was a prominent figure in business in the city and after serving in the army during WWII, joined his grandad's company, Higsons Brewery.
READ MORE: Pub at 'beating heart' of Merseyside community facing the edge
Gerry worked his way up in the ranks of the famous Liverpool brewery and by 1955 was on the board of the business, before becoming managing director in 1964.
Son Iain, told the ECHO how Gerry oversaw the growth in popularity of lager in the 80s and by 1982 Higsons had built one of the most modern lager brewhouses in Europe.
Speaking to the ECHO, Iain said: "My father was a very conscientious man, slightly old school and believed in standards and doing things properly.
"I think it was fair to say that Higsons pubs were always of a very high standard in terms of décor.
"He believed in running a good business and I think it is fair to say he was also renowned for his integrity, his fairness.
"Even by people on the other side in business or perhaps in trade unions. In the 70s and 80s there were lots of disputes and he was always regarded as a gentleman and someone who was honourable."
Iain said he fondly remembers the times his dad was in charge of Higsons, especially the close connection the company had with both football teams.
He told the ECHO: "Dad had to stay scrupulously neutral to avoid offending one very good customer.
"I remember often watching the draw for the next round of the FA Cup at home with dad, gathered around the TV like many families and like many families wanting a home tie for your club, except dad only wanted the home tie to get the beer sales on match day.
"Occasionally both Liverpool and Everton would be drawn at home and he would be in heaven.
"The 1989 all Merseyside Cup Final was an interesting one for Higsons - it was the only time that the traditional red and white Liver bird of Higsons was displayed alongside the 'Everton version', the red advertising sign facing the Liverpool supporters’ end, the blue one facing the Everton supporters."
Gerry retired from Higsons with the sale of the business to Boddingtons in 1985.
but continued his business life with various directorships, including as chairman for Radio City - just as commercial radio was taking off.
Iain said: "He was very much brought in for his business intellect and certainly wasn't brought in for his musical knowledge.
"I will always remember him with a chuckle saying to me when they asked him he had to fill out a bio prior to him becoming a chairman.
"It was just a bit about him and for likes and dislikes, under dislikes he put caraway seed cake and pop music, which considering he was being looked at by Radio City, which was this sort of premier commercial, popular music station, it was quite a humorous side."
The dad-of-four and grandad-of-10 was also chairman of Watson Prickard's, a menswear department store and on the board for the Liverpool Building Society.
Iain said by the mid 90s, his dad was spending more and more of his time with his family and new grandchildren, his much loved garden and his new found hobby of painting.
Speaking to the ECHO, Iain added: "He was always there for us, he was a good father and we were lucky to be a close family.
"We feel very lucky and he was very much a family man and it was all about getting the family together.
"He was a man of simple taste and he didn't particularly enjoy the high life, he liked family, his garden and spending time with family and friends.
"He was a family man through and through, epitomised by his very happy marriage of 64 years to Judy, who survives him aged 90."
A memorial service for Gerry will be held on February 23 at St Bridget's Church in West Kirby at 1.30pm.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
