Edward “Ted” Hier, past chairman of Midland Wallboards of Birmingham, died on November 22, at the age of 94.

Mr Hier had been with the company for 60 years, only interrupted by wartime service in the RNVR. He was a stalwart of the TTBS, which he served with distinction, and was elected as the Midlands district president in 1967.

He volunteered immediately on the outbreak of war in 1939, serving in minesweepers until 1946.

When, towards the end of the war, the British Navy in Le Havre handed responsibility for minesweeping to the French, Mr Hier remained as British Naval Liaison Officer in Le Havre, reporting to the British Naval Attaché in Paris.

He played for Bromsgrove Rugby Football Club from 1932 until 1939, and after the war, helped in its re-activation. He was, in succession, fixture secretary, chairman and finally its president for 22 years.

He is survived by his wife Margaret, their three daughters, and seven grandchildren.