David Saunders, former boss of TM Retail and Alldays, has died after a long battle with cancer.
Saunders worked in the food industry for more than 30 years and his early career embraced International Stores, Cordon Bleu and Pricerite.
His time in the convenience sector began at Sperrings before he started running Midland Convenience Stores.
He went on to launch Alldays, where he served as managing director until October 1998, when chief executive Colin Glass restructured the business and assumed direct control.
During that time, Saunders successfully managed the integration of the Forbuoys and Martins chain into the business.
He took over as the MD of TM Retail in January 1999, finally stepping down from his role there due to his illness in October last year, although he kept a seat on the board.
Saunders was a campaigner for the independent retail sector and was a director of the Association of Convenience Stores and an international director of its US division NACS.
His funeral took place at Ellingham Church, Ringwood, with wellwishers invited to give donations to The Royal Marsden Hospital. He leaves behind a wife and son.