A WELL-KNOWN Ellesmere Port businessman has died.

Trevor Brazier, founder of the Brazier Brothers Peugeot dealership in Dock Street, died last Wednesday morning at the age of 78.

Mr Brazier, who also ran several nightclubs including The Waverley which closed down in the 1990s, had lived in the town all his life.

His granddaughter Michelle Brazier, who works at the dealership, described him as being 'like a second dad' to her following the death of her father and Mr Brazier's only son, Michael, in 1986.

Michelle, 35, said: 'When we were small our dad passed away and when our world was falling apart granddad always made us feel loved and secure.

'After that he became like a second dad to us all. He taught me an important principle in life - to never give up.

'As a granddad, a boss and a friend he was the best anyone could ask for.'

Mr Brazier, who was born in Grosvenor Street, grew up with five brothers and a sister.

He was married to wife Beryl for 55 years.

One of his biggest passions as a young man was boxing and he was a member of the Star Boxing Club based at the Phoenix Social Club in Cromwell Road.

Mr Brazier's finest achievement in the sport came in 1950 when he was crowned welter-weight champion of Lancashire and Cheshire.

Another of his keen interests was sailing and he built the first boat he ever owned before buying one to race in Bermuda and Jamaica.

In 1978 he triumphed in the prestigious Isle of Man race with his boat Smiler, named after his wife Beryl.

Mr Brazier served his two years National Service abroad, including Egypt and Palestine, and was a member of Progress Masonic Lodge.

In addition to his widow, Mr Brazier leaves three granddaughters, Michelle, Nicky and Andrea, one grandson David and three great grandchildren, Shae, Isabella and Oliver.

His funeral will take place tomorrow at St Paul's Church in Hooton.