SIDNEY Selby, who ran a roofing business in Canterbury for many years, has died suddenly while on a Mediterranean cruise with his wife and son.

Mr Selby, 59, was taken ill on June 6, the day after he had boarded the ship off the coast of France. He collapsed with a seizure and was taken to hospital in Marseilles where, after treatment, he appeared to be making good progress. However, that night he suddenly died.

His widow, Margaret, said it was a terrible shock because Mr Selby had not been ill before his trip and had last visited a doctor in 2000.

Mr Selby was born in Canterbury and attended the old Frank Hooker School, now Canterbury High. He and his wife were married in 1964.

Before he married Mr Selby had a variety of jobs and then began working for the company Bates. In 1970 he formed the roofing business Selby and Selby with his father.

It was first based in Hales Place, then Chartham before finally settling on the Wincheap industrial estate. It was then that Mr and Mrs Selby bought their home in Monks Close, Canterbury.

Mr Selby was still actively running the business with his son Clive at the time of his death and the family hopes to carry on.

He and his brothers were keen Salvation Army members when they were young and Mr Selby played the tenor horn and drums in the junior band. For many years until his death Mr Selby put fresh flowers in a bowl at the Canterbury citadel every Saturday in memory of members of his mother's family. It is hoped this tradition will continue.

The family is known in Canterbury for its links since 1966 with greyhound racing, now racing their dogs at Sittingbourne.

His son Clive said: "He was a great family man and lived for us and his dogs. He was such a character and was a bubbly man who liked joking with his many friends in the city."

Mr Selby also leaves a daughter Sarah Taylor and two grandchildren.

The funeral arrangements have still to be decided. Those who would like to know about them should ring Lyons on 01227 463508.