TRIBUTES have been paid to well-known Taunton man Frederick Clifford Nation, who died on August 8 at the age of 88.

Known as Fred to all his friends and colleagues, he secured an apprenticeship at Taunton Motor Company at the age of 14 years and two years later he met Dorothy Guest, known as Dot, who quickly became the love of his life.

After the war the couple had three children, Christopher, Jennifer and Christine.

In the late 1960s Fred went into partnership with his younger brother, Vic, and they became proprietors of Priorswood Service Station, selling cars, petrol and paraffin from the forecourt and running a popular workshop.

Daughter Christine Hindle said: “They soon became well-known and respected for their honest, efficient work.

“They were supported in running the business by a number of loyal employees, many of whom remained friends in future years.

“There was a real community feeling on the precinct in Priorswood at that time, with the many different businesses complementing each other.”

The service station had its own Ford 100E van with a three-speed box, which was maintained and also treated as an old friend, being nearly vintage when it was finally decommissioned.

Fred retired in 1984 and, along with Dot, took up ballroom dancing.

Their relationship had spanned 72 years when Dot passed away in 2009.

At home, Fred could often be found in his greenhouse where he enjoyed pottering around with plants and vegetables; it was a joke often told between friends that you never need buy anything as Fred could always find what you needed in his garden shed.

Christine added: “Always known as a gentleman, Fred was much loved and will be sadly missed by family and friends.”

He died peacefully just short of his 89th birthday at Musgrove Park hospital. His funeral takes place at St Augustine's Church, West Monkton, on Monday August 22 at 11am.

You can add your own tribute to Mr Nation by filling in the Your Say box on this page.