A BUSINESSMAN and Butterwick Hospice fundraiser has died at the age of 82.

Joe Musgrave, from Hartlepool, first went into business selling pre-packed meat to local workers and pubs. By the time he retired he was head of a company worth millions.

The grandfather-of-three was diagnosed with cancer four years ago, a condition he fought bravely until his death on Tuesday last week (January 19).

With his wife Mary, who had a street trader's licence, Mr Musgrave set up business in the 1950s selling meat to workers finishing their shifts at British Steel and ICI, as well as local pubs and clubs.

While raising their three children Lynn, Lesley-Ann and Christopher, they branched out into fruit and vegetables, running three shops in Hartlepool and selling at markets across Teesside and Durham.

In 1986, the same year Lesley-Ann was crowned Miss Great Britain, Mr Musgrave opened Blondes wine bar in Hartlepool after converting the former Knights store.

In 1990 Mr Musgrave and son Chris set up JCM, a company specialising in refurbishing supermarkets, which ended up employing more than 250 people at its Usworth Road base in Hartlepool.

Father and son then moved into property and business site development, buying several sites across the country including the former Samsung site and other land amounting to 700 acres in total at Wynyard near Billingham.

A strong supporter of local charities, Mr Musgrave was a member of the Guild of Patrons of Hartlepool Hospice as well as a corporate partner of the Butterwick Hospice.

His son Chris said: “Mam and dad worked tirelessly to give us kids the best possible start in life. Mam was his rock right up to his last breath.

“Joe’s was a well lived life, filled with love and happiness. He was a gentle, generous man who loved to laugh, adored his garden and going to the races.

“Personally, he was my best friend and a great mentor to me.

“We’d like to thank all our friends and family for their kindness and especially the team at North Tees Hospital.”

Mr Musgrave was a regular at the Belle Vue club where he enjoyed a game of dominoes with his pals. Last year he and Mary received a card from the Queen on their 60th wedding anniversary.

His funeral will take place on Tuesday, January 26 at St. Patrick’s RC Church at 1.45pm, prior to cremation in Stranton Grange Crematorium Chapel. Friends and family are kindly invited, please meet at the church.

The family have requested no flowers, with donations, in lieu if so desired, to The Hartlepool Hospice, Alice House, Wells Avenue. Hartlepool.