THE tragic death of local businessman, Jack Rees has been announced by his family.

Jack, 91, died in a house fire at his home in Whitstone at around 9am on Friday, November 6. The alarm was raised by his secretary who noticed smoke within the property.

His workmen broke in and despite considerable risk to themselves dragged Jack from the property. Sadly, Jack had succumbed to the fumes of the fire and was pronounced dead at the scene. His son John told the 'Post' that although, still under investigation, it is believed that a stray ember ignited the carpet in the lounge and that, with Jack being in bed, the fumes pervaded throughout the house.

Fire Brigade crews from Bude and Holsworthy attended and used one hose reel to extinguish the fire.

Despite his age, Jack was still fully active in the building business that he had nurtured and developed over almost 60 years. Most of his workmen had worked for him for up to 30 years, having been introduced to the business as apprentices.

Although, now only a small firm of just six employees, in its hey day the business employed in excess of 30 staff with additional sub-contractors.

In addition, to his business Jack was a founder member of the Whitstone Male Voice Choir and took part in over 4,000 performances over a 40-year period. His unique first tenor voice saw him offered a place at the Royal Academy of Music.

He was a well-known football referee whose reputation for fair play spread across Devon and Cornwall. In his 20-year career he had the unique distinction of never having to send a player off. Having hung up his boots, he co-ordinated the Referees' Assessors in the North Devon Region and spent 30 years as chair of the Kingley League.

His love and dedication to football saw him take on the responsibility of the National Co-ordinator of the Lions National Youth Cup Competition for many years. Jack negotiated the final to be played at venues including Villa Park.

Jack leaves a son John, and two young grandchildren Eloise and Jacob.