William Ernest Bradley established Brook Motors in Canada.
Mr Bradley, known as Ernie to friends and family, was 87 when he died in Canada.
He had emigrated there in 1962 and played a leading role in establishing the engineering company in Toronto.
Mr Bradley was born in Huddersfield to Arthur and Dorothy Bradley who were egg merchants in the town. The family lived in Firth Street, Huddersfield, and then Commercial Street.
He later moved to live in Hall Bower.
Mr Bradley went to St Paul’s Church School and then Huddersfield Technical College where he graduated in engineering.
He joined Brook Motors as an apprentice in the late 1940s and worked both in the technical department and in sales, rising to be sales manager.
He was recognised as an astute and respected businessman and in 1962 was asked to move with his family to set up a new branch of the business in Canada. It grew to be hugely successful and was eventually taken over by Hawker Siddeley.
He made regular trips to the Huddersfield headquarters of the firm and also loved bringing his family on holidays to the UK.
He married Patricia Forster, from Cawthorne, and went on to have two sons, Richard and David, and a daughter Susan. He also leaves eight grandchildren.
During his years in Huddersfield he was closely involved with St Paul’s Church where he was head chorister and also a sidesman.
He continued to be a member of choirs all his life, including Honley Male Voice Choir, and was still singing at the age of 86.
He was also a scoutmaster and was awarded top honours by the scout movement.
Mr Bradley was a keen gardener, a golfer and a keen fan of TV sport. He also loved dogs and had many as pets.
His son Richard said: “He was a loving, kind-hearted soul who always had time for everyone. He was a true gentleman, knew the value of a firm handshake and, more than anything, knew the value of family.”
