HE WAS the driving force behind one of the South Coast’s biggest motor retailers.

Now, tributes have been paid to Geoff Snow, the founder of Snow’s Motors who died peacefully last week in hospital after suffering from dementia.

Geoff, who was born on July 3, 1932, in Andover joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Seaman in 1948, drawing a weekly pay of five shillings at HMS Vincent, Gosport.

From the age of 29 he ran a number of businesses including an office supply firm, a ladies’ hair salon and a decor firm.

His love of motoring was fuelled by his success in autocross but it was Snows Business Forms, a print manufacturing company which he founded, which opened Geoff’s eyes up to the motor retail market in the 1970s.

The firm still supplies more than 20 of the UK’s largest motor manufacturers, along with around 10,000 commercial customers.

In 1979, the Snows Motor brand was born after he decided to invest in St James’ Toyota Centre.

Now the Millbrook-based company has more than 750 employees and is one of the top 60 retailers in the UK representing brands including BMW, Toyota, Seat, Lotus, Volvo and Kia with 35 franchises across the south.

Geoff, who lived in Romsey retired in 2007.

Group chairman Stephen Snow, Geoff’s son said: “My father was a pioneer in the retail car industry here on the south coast, with an absolute belief that the customer is king, that if you get the customer service right every time then the sales will follow.

“We’ve seen generations of families buy from Snows because of what Dad did – he knew the importance of making the purchasing decision process as comfortable as possible for the buyer.

“Whilst as a family we grieve, my father’s legacy very much lives on in the company name and the pioneering culture he instigated and oversaw with his trademark driving spirit.”

Kate Snow, Snow’s project development manager and Geoff’s grand-daughter added: “Grandad has been an inspiration to me and the entire family.

“It was a special moment when he attended our group conference at the Concorde Club in Eastleigh earlier this year, an example of how much Geoff loved being part of the business many years after retiring.”

Mark Trapani, group managing director, said: “Geoff was always a special man in so many ways. He recognised talent and gave people opportunities to blossom. “

Mr Snow leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Joyce, son Stephen, who is group chairman, and daughters Jacquelyn and Jennifer, as well as nine grandchildren and a great grandson.

Funeral arrangements will be finalised in due course.